AGM and Portswood Broadway Update

Firstly an apology to any members, or anyone wishing to become a member, who were unable to take part in the HRA AGM on 13 November. The level of interest surprised us and a decision had to be made to turn the last few away as the numbers would have exceeded those allowed in the hall.

The Minutes of the AGM are now available on the HRA Website: HRA 48th AGM Minutes

We estimated that 120 attended the AGM which is almost twice as many as in past years. People are clearly concerned about the future of Portswood and HRA will continue to represent the views of members. Any comments or questions can be directed to: HRA.HonSec@gmail.com or highfieldracomms@gmail.com

Portswood Broadway was a topic raised during Q and A following the address made by the Leader of the Council, Lorna Fielker, and following the Chair’s report.

Councillor Fielker commented: I acknowledge that anti-social behaviour was an issue locally and across the city and that the crime statistics were not great. This was being addressed through targeted days of action and a critical friends approach, Community Safety Officers and street pastors. There would be an additional Government fund to help rough sleepers.

On Portswood Broadway, Councillor Fielker acknowledged with thanks the work of the Steering Group.

Councillor Keogh commented: It is right to direct traffic to Thomas Lewis Way. We have done the modelling and I am confident TLW can cope with the extra traffic. We acknowledge there has been opposition but it is a trial. If there is evidence that the scheme is not working we can’t proceed. The trial is to see if it can work and create a vibrant district centre.

Councillor Savage commented: I do totally support the scheme. There is lots of concern expressed through a personal lens; how will it affect me. You are not experts; have not seen the impact; the success achieved in other communities. It will be a great boon to The Broadway.

Councillor Barbour asked: Why air quality was not included as a measure before during and after the trial (this is to be clarified at the Steering Group).

Legal consultation on the Portswood Project
“To introduce the scheme, the Council has to undertake a number of formal legal processes.

The Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders (ETROs) for the bus-gate and ATZs were made on 23rd October and will come into force on 27th January 2025. The Council will be considering in due course whether or not to make these ETROs permanent. Any person may object to, or make any other comment on, the ETROs being made permanent within six months of them coming into force (or within six months of any modification to ETRO  coming into force, whichever is later). Please note that comments made on the ETROs before they come into force will be recorded but will only be considered along with all other responses to the ETROs following the end of the six-month consultation period.”

HRA: The formal, legal consultation on Traffic Regulation Orders related to the Broadway Scheme closed on 15 November. The Steering Group will receive the outcome of the consultation in early December.
This was HRA’s submission to the TRO consultation:

20mph proposal – Supporting

Reasons

In 2021 Highfield Residents Association submitted a bid for a 20mph zone throughout Highfield. This was accepted by SCC. The consultation did not progress. There was wide support from HRA Members and other resident groups for 20mph and this has not changed.

We feel the scheme should have included more of Highfield i.e. from the crossing on Highfield Lane. Money had been allocated for these city-wide 20mph schemes so we are not sure why the area is subject to restriction under the Broadway plans?

HRA continues to engage positively with the Project but remains sceptical and unconvinced that the scheme will meet its objectives or the measures of success that have been identified so far.

We are however encouraged by the progress of the Steering Group in clarifying timescales, improving communication with residents and identifying the data on which the trial will be judged. HRA hopes that the Council will maintain an open mind on the future of the scheme until the trial is complete and the results of outcomes against objectives are carefully analysed and considered.

Goods Vehicle Loading Bay on St Denys Road Spur – Neutral

Reasons

With respect to the Goods Vehicle Loading Bay on St Denys Road Spur, please could you clarify from which direction the goods vehicles would enter the spur road.

HRA understands from project officers, that once the part time Bus-gate is operational, cars and other vehicles would be able to turn left down St Denys Road Spur from The Broadway (Sainsbury’s end).

Did you make a comment?

If you didn’t have time to register a comment for the TRO consultation, the Experimental Traffic Order (ETRO) consultation will be open until the end of the 6-month Trial period. Although it is possible to comment now, the more important period might be during the months January to July 2025 when live monitoring will be possible by residents, the people most affected by the measures for the Bus-gate and the ATZ.

This is important information and HRA members are strongly encouraged to maintain engagement with the whole process.

SCC: “The Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders (ETROs) for the bus-gate and ATZs were made on 23rd October and will come into force on 27th January 2025. The Council will be considering in due course whether or not to make these ETROs permanent. Any person may object to, or make any other comment on, the ETROs being made permanent within six months of them coming into force (or within six months of any modification to ETRO coming into force, whichever is later). Please note that comments made on the ETROs before they come into force will be recorded but will only be considered along with all other responses to the ETROs following the end of the six-month consultation period. During this time, we encourage you to comment. This can be done online at: Traffic Regulation Order Consultations or in writing to the Highways Legal Team at Southampton City Council, Civic Centre, Southampton, SO14 7LY. Alternatively, staff at Portswood Library can help you to use the online feedback form.”

2. Portswood Road left hand filter to St Denys Road

3. Re-phasing of St Denys Road / Thomas Lewis Way lights

4. Installing signage poles for the 20mph and Bus-gate

January 2025

1. ATZ buildouts/cycle bypasses and traffic filter

2. Bus-gate (cameras, layby resurfacing, high-friction surfacing, lining, lighting, illuminated signs, Meristem parklets, St Denys Road spur works)

3. Signage for the Bus-gate and 20mph

4. Bus shelters

3. Resident and Community Engagement Survey

There has been some criticism from members about the survey, undertaken by Consultants over 6 days last month. It has been reported to HRA that many Highfield residents were suspicious of the leaflet and thought it was a scam and did not take part. The results from the survey will be used as base-line data for Key Performance Indicator (KPI) monitoring. However, the value of this information, given the doubts about its origin and purpose as sound base data, is now unclear and will be raised by HRA at the Steering Group.