Park and ride and priority bus lanes revealed in £145 million transport package for city Southampton
NEW park and ride and bus priority lanes could be created in
Southampton as part of a multi-million pound investment which could transform transport in the city.
A new park and ride could be built near Bitterne and the one at Bargain Farm in Nursling, which is used by Southampton General Hospital staff, could be used by the public on weekends or when events are held in the city.
The news was revealed in an official document published by Southampton City Council.
When asked if there are plans for other park and ride across the city, the authority said it is aiming to "establish a network of park and ride sites" and added it is “in the early stages of identifying and confirming locations”.
According to a document published by the city council, new technology could be used to provide information to people on traffic, incidents, parking and journey times.
Bus priority lanes, priority at traffic signals and enhanced bus stops could also be created across the city to link Southampton to the surrounding areas.
A map published by the city council has revealed that rapid buses could link Southampton to
Romsey, Hythe, Winchester, Fair Oak, St Denys, Thornhill, Hedge End and Bursledon.
Cycle facilities could also be improved, building on a number of cycle lanes which have recently been opened across the city.
The projects would be funded by a share of the £1.22bn Transforming Cities Fund from the Department for Transport (DfT).
It comes as last month the Local Democracy Reporting Service revealed that Southampton City Council and Hampshire County Council joined forces to bid for a share of the grant.
The city council said the joint bid for up to £145m will be submitted next month.
- Cllr Jacqui Rayment, cabinet member for transport and place at the city council, said: “We are working with Hampshire County Council to put together a strong case for investment in Southampton’s transport system through Transforming Cities.
"This will help us to support the growth and success of the city in a sustainable way in line with the goals of our Green City Charter.
"The plans encompass rapid bus
travel, park and ride, expanding on the Southampton Cycle Network, making it easier to walk and cycle, and creating world class public spaces connecting where people live and work.”
A final decision on the bid is expected to be made by Spring 2020.
As previously reported, Southampton and Hampshire received £5.7m from the first round of Transforming Cities Fund (TFC).
The money has been invested to fund new cycle lanes linking Totton to Southampton city centre, segregate Copenhagen style cycle lanes on Inner Avenue, a new cycle route to Chandler’s Ford and upgraded traffic signals along A3024 Bursledon Road and Stoneham Way.
