Traffic scheme to be dismantled after backlash

An £850,000 traffic-calming scheme is set to be largely dismantled following a residents' campaign.

The project saw Southampton City Council introduce several "buildouts" - raised platforms and bollards – to narrow Glen Eyre Road and force drivers to give way.

Critics said the measures, installed less than three years ago, increased congestion and dangerously pushed traffic to one side of the road, prompting residents to hold several demonstrations.

The council will launch a public consultation on Friday that will propose removing the majority of the platforms.

Lin Hurst, 70, a resident of 35 years, said: "It has been a long time coming to get it sorted.

"What they did changed the road completely. It became gridlock with people beeping their horns.

"It will be brilliant when it is back to how it was before."

John and June Babbidge, who have lived on the road for more than 40 years, called it "a real hazard".

"We have got to be so careful because you get buses and cars on the wrong side of the road," said John.

Bassett Conservatives chairman Amanda Guest, who has been part of the resident campaign, described the scheme as a waste of taxpayer money.

"Hopefully, the council will learn from this and ensure that, in future, constituents are properly consulted and kept informed about any follow-up proposals before decisions are made," she said.

Liberal Democrat Bassett ward councillor Richard Blackman said he had not heard anybody with "a good word to say" about the measures.

Jacqui Rayment, Labour councillor responsible for transport at Southampton City Council, said a consultation on a traffic regulation order (TRO) to remove the measures would start on Friday.

"The TRO will include the removal of the buildouts on Glen Eyre Road - except for the three that support the electric vehicle charging bays - and the relocation of the e-scooter and e-bike parking bay to a new location that will be agreed.

"The on-street parking is proposed to be retained in its current form."

She said that, pending no issues with the TRO, work to remove the buildouts could take place to coincide with scheduled resurfacing and drainage works, limiting disruption in the area.