Bus gate traffic restrictions will not return

The bus gate meant only buses, taxis and cyclists were permitted to travel along sections of the road at certain hours

A bus gate put in place as a trial to limit traffic on a busy road will not come back into force.

The part-time bus, cycle, and taxi-only restrictions on Portswood Road, Southampton started in January. The trial was suspended in May after it was found traffic had increased along nearby streets.

The restrictions sparked protests and petitions to scrap it with residents raising concerns around road safety and the increased congestion on residential streets.

Southampton City Council said funding allocated for the scheme would now go to make transport improvements between Eastleigh and the city centre.

Southampton City Council said independent monitoring of the traffic impacts of the trial Portswood Project carried out in May showed reduced vehicle traffic and increased pedestrian activity on Portswood Broadway.

But the assessment also identified a significant rise in traffic along nearby residential streets which led to local residents raising concerns around road safety and congestion.

The authority said "ultimately this is why the Portswood Project trial will not be continuing in its current form".

The trial ran on section on Portswood Road, between Westridge Road and St Denys Road spur.