In January 2025, a traffic-calming gate was installed by the local council in the Portswood area of Southampton on the south coast of England. But when this bus gate (a section of road where only buses and other authorised vehicles are allowed to pass) was removed following months of consultations, the debate quickly became polarised.
Supporters of the bus gate pointed to better bus journeys, fewer vehicles on the high street and a safer environment for walking and cycling. Critics of the traffic-calming scheme highlighted increased congestion on neighbouring roads and disruption to daily life, including reduced access to local shops and schools, and longer, slower car journeys.
