Background
Since public engagement on the Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) Active Travel Zone (ATZ) measures began, concerns have been raised about high traffic volumes on Brookvale Road. Due to past road closures and turning restrictions, Brookvale Road is one of the few east–west routes in Highfield.
Previously, a modal filter was considered for Brookvale Road to offset the impacts of the Portswood Broadway Bus Gate, but it was not supported locally because of access concerns. Instead, traffic calming buildouts were installed on Brookvale Road and a modal filter was trialled on Russell Place.
During the bus gate trial on Portswood Broadway (January–April 2025), traffic increased on Brookvale Road, raising safety concerns. The trial was stopped early, and since then traffic has mostly returned to pre-trial levels, though some third-party data suggests it may be higher (unverified by SCC).
July 2026
Earlier this year, residents shared their views on traffic and road safety in the area. We listened carefully and your feedback is helping to shape the next stage of these improvements.
A summary of the consultation responses is available here.
Many local people told us they would like to see measures to address driver behaviour issues on local roads. In response, the council is developing plans to install speed cushions and raised table on Brookvale Road, Russell Place and Abbotts Way to help make these roads safer for people who live, walk and travel in the area.
Department for Transport guidance is that speed cushions are an effective traffic-calming measure, lowering speeds and accident risk. They can achieve lower speeds in line with the speed limit, while having a smaller impact on public transport and emergency services than other measures. Results vary by location depending in part on their design, positioning, and dimensions. Full width humps are generally more effective at achieving lower speeds such as a raised table at junctions which is part of the design consideration currently in progress.
Local people will have a further opportunity to have their say in early autumn, when detailed proposals showing the number and locations of the speed cushions will be published as part of a Traffic Regulation Order consultation.
Subject to the outcome of this process, the speed cushions and raised table will be installed and the temporary buildouts that have been trialled in the area will be removed at the same time.