Crunch meeting set to determine whether or not Portsmouth will get a new bus route

A new bus route could be approved in Portsmouth. Pictured is one of First Solent's buses

A DECISION on whether a new bus lane in the north of Portsmouth city centre can be built will be made by councillors next week.

Members of the city council's planning committee will be asked to approve the creation of a new two-way route linking Unicorn Road and Cascades Approach at their meeting on Wednesday with a report saying it meets both national and local policy.

'This will encourage and promote bus use as a result of improved bus journey times and reliability,' it says. 'The proposals will also ease congestion.

'[It] will further enhance active travel opportunities through improving cycling and walking facilities and provides cycling lanes and enhances pedestrian

connectivity to open spaces, St Agatha’s Church, Cascades shopping centre and other destinations in the area.

'In addition, the proposal is expected to reduce car travel which could reduce carbon emissions and other pollutants associated with car travel.'

The planning application proposes the construction of a 70m stretch of road and the realignment of the entrance to the Cascades car park to connect to Cascades Approach.

The existing Unicorn Road bus lane would also be realigned while new pedestrian crossings would be installed.

Cabinet member for transport Lynne Stagg said the project would help improve access.

'I hope the plans to improve this important location in the heart of the city centre will contribute to making it easier and more appealing for people to travel by sustainable travel,' she said. 'This is just the start of some exciting transport improvements we have coming up in Portsmouth that will help create a cleaner, greener and better-connected city.'

The application also proposes a new garden at St Agatha's Church and new seating areas.

'Wholehearted' support for the scheme has been given by First Bus.

'The new bus lane will mean buses will be able to take a far more direct route between the northern and southern end of the city centre, making journeys by bus quicker and more convenient,' the company said. 'It will also allow buses to avoid Marketway, which can be particularly congested at key times.

'This will make bus journeys more enjoyable both for tourists and local residents who wish to access the shops and other services in the city centre.'