The return of a much-loved mode of transport would help ease Southampton gridlock, says a hopeful MP.
Darren Paffey, MP for Southampton Itchen, regrets the existing tram system in Southampton was scrapped.
With gridlocked roads and congestion proving to be a more regular occurrence, the Labour MP is keen to make changes to transport infrastructure.
But he has warned this is not something that can be achieved overnight.
“In an old city like Southampton, we are working within the constraints of space, and we are surrounded by water and rivers so we can’t expand south”, he said.
The growing number of people moving to Southampton and the additional housing being introduced is not something that will help reduce traffic either.
Darren Paffey (Image: Newsquest)
Mr Paffey said: “The growth in numbers of people is great as we want the city to be a destination, but it means we have a shared space which is not always easy to cater for everyone.
“Our roads are old and need repairing. If we fix the potholes, we have to close the roads, but the reality is there are more cars than ever on the roads.
“Some roads can be widened but some can’t as they are up against houses.”
Residents are encouraged to turn to cycling as a mode of transport.
This has not been well responded to by all, with some people not feeling safe or brave enough to travel on two wheels.
Mr Paffey said there is work to be done to improve this, adding: “We are not there yet on people feeling safe and that is partly down to the attitude of cyclist vs motorist.
“Most cyclists are also motorists so there is not a big ‘us and them’ scenario.
“It’s about changing the way we travel because air quality is in consideration and finding ways to get around a city that has finite space.”
Reintroducing trams to Southampton is not completely out of question but is unlikely.
“A number of forward-thinking cities have introduced trams and they are incredibly efficient.
“We had the infrastructure there so it’s a real shame we do not have that.
“So, never say never.
“At this precise moment it is unlikely to happen but I think in the future it will be great to see it again, and it would help make Southampton a destination for tourists.”
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