Controversial bike lane in Portsmouth scrapped after 'farcical' three-week trial

Portsmouth City Council will now begin removing bollards from the segregated bike lane in Elm Grove and Kings Road, in Southsea, and restoring lost parking spaces.

The city's Covid Response Board unanimously agreed tonday (Nov 26) not to extend the trial after almost 70 per cent of the 1,400 respondents to a survey said the lane was having a 'negative impact' on the area.

Councillor Lynne Stagg, the council's transport boss, said it was a 'shame' the project was not a success. She said: 'Thank you to everyone who has shared their views on the trial.

'Many have said they are in support of improving facilities for cyclists in the city, however they felt the trial cycle lane did not work on Elm Grove and Kings Road and we were clear that we would listen to what everyone said and remove it promptly if it was not supported.

'It is a shame that it has not worked but we are committed to continuing to work with cyclists, residents and businesses along these roads and in other roads across the city to make other improvements that support people’s health and wellbeing through walking and cycling, improving air quality and the economic growth of this area.'

The lane was installed earlier this month using part of a £214,515 emergency active travel fund from government that aimed to boost cycling and walking over lockdown.

Although it received support from cycling groups, it proved contentious among nearby residents and business owners with more than 1,000 people signing a petition for its removal within the three weeks.

As reported, bollards were also repeatedly damaged and removed.

SEE ALSO: Bike lane damaged within first week of opening

Cllr Simon Bosher, the Conservative spokesman for transport, said the scheme was 'doomed to fail from the start.'

'I’m not surprised at the decision,' he said.

'We’ve seen it before with Eastern Road. This whole thing has been farcical, it was the wrong trial at the wrong time of year and in the midst of a lockdown.

'What we need is a thought through strategy which includes the views of residents.'

It is thought the bollards will be removed within the next few days.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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