A petition against a controversial bus gate trial in Southampton is the largest petition the council has ever received.

“The council seem to be happy to put school children in danger to save four minutes on a bus journey” – these are the words of concerned mum, Catherine Wood, who says the Portswood Bus Gate Trial has been “a living hell” since it was launched by Southampton City Council in January.

The Stop the Portswood Bus Gate Trial petition is believed to be the largest Southampton City Council (SCC) has ever received – with a total of 5,528 signatures.

Despite the criticisms, the council has so far refused to U-turn but has said that it is closely monitoring the situation and responding to safety concerns.

The bus gate shuts Portswood Road to all vehicles except buses, taxis and cyclists from 7am to 10am and 4pm to 7pm, Monday to Saturday.

Drivers who flout the rules on Portswood Broadway more than once risk being hit with £70 Penalty Notice Charge.

Brookvale Road resident, Catherine Wood Brookvale Road resident, Catherine Wood (Image: NQ) Catherine continued: “We live on Brookvale Road, near to Highfield CE School and school children are seriously being put as risk.

“We have had a number of near misses – one incident saw children almost hit by a white van during their Easter Bonnet parade.

“My six-year-old was almost knocked down by an e-scooter rider who had decided to ride on the pavement as the road was too busy.

“The council need to take action before a child is hurt.”

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Leader of the opposition at SCC, cllr Jeremy Moulton, said: “This is the largest petition response in the council’s history and Labour need to take notice.

“The vast majority of residents, shopkeepers and workers and people visiting Portswood don't want the bus gate.

“Fiddling with the scheme won't fix the root cause. The bus gate needs to go now.”

Councillor Eamonn Keogh, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport said: "Petitions are an effective way to highlight important issues for the council to consider when making local decisions, and we welcome anyone who lives, works or studies in Southampton to participate in the democratic process.

"The next step will be for the petition to be formally debated in full council.

"People can continue to let us know their views via the Traffic Regulation Order consultation on our Connecting Southampton website and we will continue to gather evidence to monitor the trial, take feedback on board and make further adjustments where necessary.”