Local businesses are feeling the impact of new traffic restrictions on Portswood Road, raising concerns about customer access and foot traffic.
Southampton: The recent traffic changes on Portswood Road have stirred up quite a buzz among local businesses. Some traders are worried that the new restrictions will really hurt their sales.
On the first day of the trial, many noticed a drop in customers. The road is now only open to buses, taxis, and cyclists during peak hours, which has left some shops feeling the pinch.
Yildirim Ordu, who manages Poppins Restaurant and Café, expressed his concerns. He mentioned that mornings used to be busy, but that day was unusually quiet. He fears this could be the end for some local spots.
On the flip side, Ashlyn Frank, a barista at Muse Coffee, thinks it’s too early to tell. She noted that many of their regulars still came in before work, but she finds the changes a bit inconvenient.
Then there’s Parth Patel from Kitchen Kingdom, who sees the bright side. He believes the scheme might encourage more people to use public transport and walk around, which could be good for business.
However, Tyler Jones from Flagship Coffee isn’t so sure. He pointed out that the timing of the restrictions seems to just push traffic onto other roads, making things more congested.
Residents are also weighing in. Penny Moore thinks it could lead to more traffic in residential areas, while another local felt the whole thing was a waste of time and money.
It’s clear that opinions are mixed, and everyone is watching closely to see how this trial plays out.
