A headteacher has penned a letter to Southampton City Council asking for a review of the Portswood Broadway scheme over fears for pupil safety.

The acting head of Highfield CE Primary School, Rachael Bond, has said that traffic diverting from Portswood Broadway as a result of the bus gate trial is making surrounding roads dangerous for school children.

The controversial project has brought a part-time bus, taxi and cycle-only section to Portswood Road.

Between St Denys Road and Westridge Road, Portswood Broadway is closed to traffic between 7am and 10am, and 4pm to 7pm, Monday to Saturday.

The letter, which has been seen by the Echo, has been sent by the school to the council.

Acting headteacher of Highfield CE Primary School, Rachael Bond said in the letter: “We have received reports from concerned parents about the traffic situation in the area, where there were reportedly severe traffic backups, with drivers becoming increasingly frustrated.

“We are especially worried because Brookvale Road is heavily used by children walking to school, and the heightened traffic makes it a more dangerous environment for them.”

The headteacher added that pupils are subject to noise, angry horn honking and rude shouting while trying to get to school.

A separate letter has also been sent to the council by a parent which has been signed by 205 other Highfield CE Primary School parents.

'Parents rightly concerned' - school

Jeff Williams, the director of education at the Diocese of Winchester, which runs Highfield CE Primary School, has released a statement.

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He said: “The trial period of a new traffic-flow system in Portswood Broadway has predictably led to increased traffic during the morning and evening rush hour in the adjacent streets.

“These roads are routinely used by children as walking routes to our school.

“Parents and the school are rightly concerned about children’s safety with more traffic and associated risks, and have observed drivers getting angry with the situation, which has been seen by children.

“Members of the public have witnessed two ‘near misses’ involving drivers not observing the speed limits or safe driving expectations.”

In one incident, a 6-year-old was very nearly struck by a scooter rider who had taken to the pavement to avoid the traffic.

In the same congestion, a van mounted the pavement colliding with and nearly crushing a buggy carrying a six-month-old baby.

The council's response

The council have issued a response after the headteacher of the Highfield CE Primary School penned a letter calling on a review of the Portswood Broadway bus gate trial.

Councillor Eamonn Keogh, Cabinet Member for Transport said: “I have been to meet with representatives of Highfield CofE Primary School to listen to their views first-hand and understand the issues experienced.

“We are committed to continuing our working in partnership to respond to the change in journeys in Church Lane, Highfield Lane and surrounding roads.

“The Portswood Project trial is thoroughly monitored, and comments from residents and stakeholders are continuously reviewed.

"Based on the feedback received so far adjustments to some of the active travel zone measures have already been made. We will continue to monitor and take feedback on board as the trial continues.”