Work to improve Bedford Place and pedestrianise Carlton Place is now complete, says Southampton City Council.
Article continues after this message...
The work, which has been progressing this year to “make the area greener, more pedestrian-friendly and accessible for visitors and the local community and increase the opportunity for outdoor dining in the area”, has been “warmly welcomed”, according to the authority.
It includes a curved buildout at the junction of the two roads designed to slow traffic to the 20mph limit and which can potentially be used for pop up events, while Carlton Place is pedestrianised.
But while a section of Bedford Place was completely closed to motorised traffic for a period in 2020 to promote businesses and social distancing, as reported the decision to reopen it sparked a bitter row in 2021. A later council survey [pdf; Q9] in 2022 revealed 85% of respondents supporting the pedestrianisation of part of Bedford Place.
Bedford Place during its 'pedestrianised period'