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New bus gate to be built in city centre – BBC
Developed over time first seen 4 months ago
Portsmouth City Council is to build a bus gate on Charlotte Street in the city centre, restricting the short stretch to buses and bicycles. The scheme is intended to let outbound buses bypass other traffic, improving journey times and supporting the council’s efforts to encourage public transport, walking and cycling.
Work was scheduled to begin on 5 February and finish in May 2024. The gate will link Charlotte Street with Commercial Road North, east of Eden Street, replacing a pedestrian-only section with a road alongside new pavements, crossings and street-lighting improvements; loading access is to be maintained during daytime works.
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In short
- Portsmouth plans a bus-and-cycle-only route on Charlotte Street.
- The aim is faster outbound bus journeys.
- Works include crossings, pavements and lighting.
How this story developed
- 4 months ago Portsmouth City Council is to build a bus gate on Charlotte Street in the city centre, restricting the short stretch to buses and bicycles.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters argue that a bus gate can make city-centre journeys quicker and more reliable for the far greater number of people travelling by bus, while reducing through-traffic, noise and air pollution. They may see it as a practical way to make streets safer and more pleasant for pedestrians and cyclists, and to support a shift towards public transport in a congested centre.
The case against
Opponents argue that restricting a road can displace traffic onto neighbouring streets and make journeys longer or more confusing for drivers, deliveries, disabled people and businesses that depend on easy access. They may also question whether the scheme offers sufficient benefits to justify enforcement costs, potential fines and disruption unless alternatives such as better bus services, parking provision and clear consultation are in place.
Explained simply
A bus gate is a road restriction designed to give priority to buses and, in some cases, taxis, cyclists or emergency vehicles. It usually uses signs and cameras to stop most private cars from passing through a particular street or junction.
City councils introduce bus gates as part of wider plans to manage traffic, improve bus journey times and make central areas safer or less congested. Drivers who enter a restricted route without permission can receive a penalty charge notice.
Such schemes can affect nearby streets, as motorists may need to take different routes. They can also be debated by residents, businesses, transport operators and campaign groups, particularly over access, enforcement and the effect on local traffic.