Southampton City Council is inviting residents, businesses and road users to take part in a formal Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) consultation on proposals to improve Winchester Road and create a safer, more welcoming environment for people walking, wheeling, cycling, driving, and using public transport.

The scheme will improve access to the Outdoor Sports Centre and focuses on Winchester Road between Thornhill Road and Bassett Avenue, where previous engagement found many people felt the route was difficult to cross and unattractive for walking, wheeling and cycling. An earlier consultation carried out in April this year showed strong support for improvements, with an overall average of 64% of respondents supporting the proposals and 61% saying the changes would make it easier to walk, cycle and wheel along the route.

Following feedback from residents and stakeholders, the council has refined a number of elements of the scheme and is now seeking further views through the TRO process.

The proposals include:

• Two new signalised pedestrian and cycle crossings at Thornhill Road and Butterfield Road.
• An upgraded crossing at Vermont Close to improve safety for people who are accessing Red Lodge, Great Oaks School and the Alpine Ski Slope.
• Wider cycle lanes with protective segregation where possible, using a similar approach to the successful scheme on St Denys Road.
• Bus stop improvements, including accessible kerbing and real-time passenger information.
• Resurfacing of Winchester Road between Thornhill Road and Bassett Avenue.
• A proposed left-turn-only restriction for vehicles leaving Vermont Close to improve traffic flow and safety at the junction.
• Accessibility improvements on surrounding side streets, including tactile paving and dropped kerbs.
• Supporting access and road safety by introducing some additional double yellow lines and ensuring people can park in appropriate locations.

The proposals respond to the feedback received during the April survey. Changes include introducing segregated cycle lanes following discussions with South Central Ambulance Service, reviewing directional signage for people walking and cycling, and investigating improvements to footway conditions. The council has also revised plans at Vermont Close following discussions with Great Oaks School.

Councillor Jacqui Rayment, Cabinet Member for Transport at Southampton City Council, said: “We’re committed to making streets work better for everyone. These proposals for Winchester Road would make it safer and easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle, while also improving bus stops, crossings and road surfaces for the wider community.

“The updated scheme has been shaped by the valuable feedback we’ve already received from residents, schools, businesses and road users. We’ve listened carefully and made a number of changes, including improved cycle lane protection and revisions at Vermont Close.

“Whether walking to school, cycling to the Outdoor Sports Centre, catching a bus or simply crossing the road, these improvements are designed to make Winchester Road a more welcoming place for everyone.

“I would encourage anyone with an interest in the area to take part in the TRO consultation and let us know their views before a final decision is made.”

Supporting the exciting and wide ranging upgrades to the facilities at the Outdoor Sports Centre, these improvements will help in meeting our goals of a safer, healthier and greener Southampton.

Residents can view the proposals and submit their comments through our Connecting Southampton website. Responses can also be made in writing to Highways Legal Team at Southampton City Council, Civic Centre, Southampton, SO14 7LY quoting the title of the TRO.