Southsea seafront road closures not currently being considered, council confirms

Fine weather on Sunday saw thousands of people taking a walk on the esplanade in Southsea and Eastney. While many people were attempting to social distance, the sheer numbers made it hard.

Now, Portsmouth City Council is considering how to make the promenade more Covid-secure. While road closures have been ruled out for the time being, ideas include asking people to wear a mask, and adding one-way sections.

Council leader, Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, visited the seafront over the weekend and says the council ‘needs to discuss’ what can be done.

He said: ‘It has been very busy down there lately and I certainly wouldn’t feel comfortable walking through there.

‘It is an attractive place to go and is obviously good for you with the sea breeze, but I think we have to look at what we can do to make it safe for residents.

‘We also don’t want to make life difficult for the businesses down there.’

Last week, the council introduced a series of measures after using a drone to monitor seafront footfall.

These included taking out benches and more signage along the promenade.

Now the council is looking to go further, although options aren’t exactly forthcoming.

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‘At the moment, there are pinch points at South Parade Pier, Southsea Beach Cafe and the Coffee Cup,’ said Cllr Vernon-Jackson.

‘Perhaps people should be wearing a mask when they go down to the seafront, or we could make it a one-way system – though that presents its own problems.

‘We’ll do more thinking about this during the week and come up with some solutions.’

Cllr Vernon-Jackson has taken the idea of road closures off the table for now, saying it’s ‘uncalled for’ at this time.

But he was also was quick to add that people visiting the seafront aren’t necessarily doing anything wrong.

‘Lots of people down at the seafront are actually being really sensible, and doing their best to keep their distance,’ he said.

‘Some are using the beaches as well and I think that’s a good idea, though not doable for everyone.

‘It’s our duty to make it as safe as we can for everyone.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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