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Extension to Southsea cycle lane on hold
Plans to extend Southsea's controversial seafront cycle lane have been put on hold.
City council leaders say the route, which currently runs from Eastney to South Parade Pier, will not be completed for at least two years.
The council says the delay in completing the lane in a second stage, which would have taken it all the way along to Clarence Pier, is due to a lack of funds.
But critics say city leaders are reluctant to finish the project as planned because of a public backlash.
The cycle lane's first stage, which cost 138,000, sparked complaints from motorists and pedestrians, who say it has made the seafront more dangerous.
Councillor Hugh Mason, council cabinet member for resources said: 'Public finances are very tight, and I can't see it's very likely to happen in the next two years.
'There will have to be some careful budget prioritising, as the money available from the government is likely to be seriously cut.
'We remain committed to the completion of the route, but there are several things which are unlikely to happen in the next year or two, and the cycle lane is one which is likely to be a lower priority.'
Since the first stage of the cycle lane was put in, it has divided opinion, attracting complaints from some pedestrians and motorists.
Pedestrians have complained that they must cross the lane in order to get to the promenade.
And drivers have said the road is now too narrow, and it is dangerous for them to open their doors while parked along the route.
They also have to stand in the cycle lane at some points in order to use parking meters.
Councillor Mason admitted the cycle lane had proved controversial, but defended the scheme.
He said: 'I think controversial's an understatement.
'But we undertook full consultation and took advice from experts.
'Some of the more measured complaints will be acted upon and when we extend the route we will take those things into account as well.
'But I don't think it's asking too much of people to be careful when opening their doors into the road and we remain committed to the route's extension.'
The proposed second stage will cost up to 250,000 to deliver - though some of that would come from central government - because of greater difficulties posed by the road's shape.
Conservative Councillor Donna Jones said the council was trying to 'back out' of the scheme because it had proved so unpopular.
'This isn't about funding, it's an opportunity for the council to back away from something they delivered badly,' she said. 'They hope to stay clear of further criticism, but they're just stalling.
'They'll either have to deliver the second stage, or remove the first, which could cost up to 250,000.'
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Wednesday 08 February 2012
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