Southsea residents will have their first chance to view new plans for reducing traffic in their area this week and if they prove successful could be a blueprint for changes across Portsmouth.

Residents in the Southsea Active Pompey Neighbourhood area have said they want to live on safer, more pleasant streets with fewer drivers speeding or stuck in traffic. If plans are approved, transformation to roads in a Southsea neighbourhood will start later this year.

Portsmouth City Council will be unveiling plans for the first Active Pompey Neighbourhood on Thursday 16 March, 2pm – 7pm at Havelock Community Centre. This drop in event is open to everyone and is a great opportunity to find out more and share views.

Residents will be asked for their views on more detailed plans, including:

  • A one-way system with traffic calming measures on Bramble Road and Talbot Road. People on bicycles will still be able to travel both ways.
  • Closing the junction between Fawcett Road and Orchard Road to motor traffic but allowing people walking and cycling to get through. People can still drive into Orchard Road from the junction with Talbot Road.
  • Adding speed bumps on Francis Avenue, Sutherland Road and Fawcett Road (near the Golden Eagle pub).
  • Closing the eastern junction between Francis Avenue and Goldsmith Avenue. The western junction will remain open.
  • Introducing 20mph speed limits on Jessie Road, Devonshire Square, Devonshire Avenue, Lawrence Road, and Campbell Road.

Everyone in the active Pompey Neighbourhood area from Fawcett and Lawrence Roads on the west, Bath Road to the east, Goldsmith Avenue to the north, and Albert Road to the south will receive a letter through their door with more information and have an opportunity to have their say on the changes.

All feedback will inform the final designs that will be recommended to a decision meeting in the summer. The approved changes are hoped to start on street later this year subject to funding being available.

Cllr Lynne Stagg, Cabinet Member for Traffic and Transportation, said:

“I’m excited to see this new approach to developing neighbourhoods coming to life. An Active Pompey Neighbourhood takes into consideration all the ways people travel in an area. It’s important to make sure people can still get access to their home, while also making the road safer by reducing the amount of speeding vehicles. This is another important step towards improving our walking and cycling routes. I look forward to seeing this approach expand across the city in years to come.”

People can share their views on the plans at www.portsmouth.gov.uk/activepompeyneighbourhood, or at the drop in event on Thursday 16 March.

The consultation closes on 2 April 2023, then the council will consider all the feedback before making recommendations at a formal meeting in the summer.