Portsmouth City Council recognises the urgent need to prepare its transport infrastructure for the realities of a changing climate. Through our Local Transport Plan and Climate Strategy, we are embedding resilience into the city’s highway network to ensure it can withstand extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and increased rainfall.
Our approach includes enhancing drainage systems, using permeable materials, and integrating green infrastructure to reduce surface water flooding and urban heat. These measures not only protect the integrity of our roads but also contribute to a healthier, more liveable city. By aligning with our Greening Strategy, we are also increasing biodiversity and shade through tree planting and sustainable landscaping, helping to cool our streets and support community wellbeing.
Decarbonising Maintenance Operations
In partnership with Ensign Highways, Portsmouth City Council is taking decisive steps to decarbonise highway maintenance as part of our commitment to become a carbon net zero council by 2030 within the council’s Climate Change Strategy 2023. We are transitioning our Highways maintenance fleet to electric vehicles, installing solar panels on operational buildings, and prioritising the use of recycled and low-carbon materials in roadworks.
Energy-efficient practices, such as LED street lighting, are being rolled out to reduce energy consumption. These initiatives are reducing emissions but also setting a standard for sustainable infrastructure delivery across the city. Additionally, over 100 public electric vehicle charge points have been installed with up to 320 new charge points planned to be installed in residential areas over 2025 to support cleaner transport options. By integrating climate-conscious practices into everyday operations, we are ensuring that Portsmouth’s transport network supports both environmental goals and long-term economic resilience.
Building Climate Resilience
We regularly assess the risks our highway network faces from extreme weather, such as flooding and heatwaves. This helps us plan improvements that make our roads more resilient, including better drainage systems, durable surfacing materials, and proactive maintenance in high-risk areas. Our approach is guided by the council’s Climate Change Strategy 2023, ensuring we adapt to a changing climate while protecting our infrastructure and communities.