Mixed reaction to new traffic calming measure on Eling Lane, Totton

Hampshire County Council installed a traffic calming measure on Eling Lane to give priority to incoming traffic.

The traffic calming measure, which is also know as a ‘build out’, is located next to the Totton Flyover bridge that runs over Eling Lane.

Councillor for Totton South, Cllr David Harrison, said that he has received mixed reactions – with drivers saying that the build out has slowed the flow of traffic. Cyclists claim that it has increased safety when crossing the road.

He added: "On the one hand, motorists are telling me that they don’t like it because it means you have to stop and give way to oncoming traffic, where it used to flow freely beforehand.

The traffic calming measure while under construction in the summer (Image: Google Maps) “Some people are suggesting that it adds to the risk of an incident happening as drivers speed up to get through before an approaching car reaches the build out.

“On the other hand, I have spoken to cyclists who say that the build out has made it much easier and safer for them to cross the road.

“They only have to worry about traffic coming from the one direction at a time and it is only one lane that they need to cross.”

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Milestone Infrastructure Ltd was the contractor hired to carry out the scheme, which the council says encourages people to either walk or cycle as their first choice of local travel.

The Totton councillor added: “Before this feature was constructed it would have undergone a safety assessment.

“That said, it is always important to review and understand how new features work in practice.

“I cannot say I have encountered any long tail backs of traffic since it was included, but your experience may be different.”

He also said that anyone with concerns should get in touch.