Making bus travel easier and more reliable for everyone
The Portsmouth Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) aims to make bus travel faster, more reliable, and more accessible for passengers, while reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality in the city.
As part of this plan, several key roads in the city – Kingston Road (A2047), Lake Road, Arundel Street, and A3 Northern Parade – have been identified as areas that could benefit from bus lane improvements.
Why are we proposing to make these improvements?
This project is driven by feedback from local bus users, who highlighted the need for accessible, reliable and timely bus journeys. The proposed changes are designed to reduce delays, ease congestion on the roads, and create a more efficient public transport network.
What are we proposing to change and improve?
The proposed improvements will target several key areas across the city. See the details for each area below.
Kingston Road (A2047 between Hanway Road and Binsteed Road)
To support more reliable and accessible bus services, a number of changes are proposed along Kingston Road.
- New southbound bus lane: A dedicated bus lane introduced between Binsteed Road and Hanway Road, to help buses run on time and avoid delays. This change will require the removal of approximately 19 parking spaces.
- Parking and business access: Local parking options are being reviewed to consider possible future improvements to visitor parking. We will also work with businesses to review delivery and collection times to make sure businesses can get their goods on time.
- Upgraded pedestrian crossing at New Road: The traffic lights at New Road will be upgraded so they change based on how many people are crossing, making it safer and smoother for everyone.
- Removal of central island at New Road: The island in the middle of the road will be removed to accommodate the new layout.
- Clearer road markings: New markings will be added to help guide drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to move safely throughout the area.
- Cycle lane adjustment: The existing advisory northbound cycle lane to be removed to make space for the new bus lane. Cyclists will be able to use the southbound bus lane.
- Road resurfacing and bus lane markings: Once the work is complete the entire road will be resurfaced, and the bus lane will be painted red, so it is clear for all users.
Arundel Street
- Widening of the existing bus lane by narrowing the footpath between Clifton Street and Fratton Road, providing buses with more space to move without blocking traffic.
- Improvements to bus stop accessibility by widening the path on the south side of the road
Lake Road
- Widening of the existing bus lane by taking space from the footpath between Buckingham Green and Hanway Road, allowing buses to navigate the turn more easily and reducing delays.
- Creation of a new cycle path through the green space to offer cyclists a safer route and better connectivity.
Scheduled bus lane improvement projects
Improvements to the A3 Northern Parade have been agreed to go ahead with works along the A3 Northern Parade and London Road junction to begin on Monday 27 October 2025, delivered in two phases to minimise disruption and allow for efficient coordination. Phase One will run for approximately six weeks, with Phase Two scheduled for early 2026.
These upgrades follow earlier public consultation, traffic modelling, and other data analysis. They are funded through Portsmouth’s £52 million BSIP, a government-supported initiative to enhance local bus services and infrastructure.
Key improvements include:
- Bus lanes will be upgraded to help buses run more smoothly and reliably.
- Roads, pavements and cycle paths will be resurfaced to improve safety and comfort.
- Drainage will be improved to help prevent flooding.
- New illuminated signs will make it easier to find your way.
- Green spaces will be added to make the area more attractive.
During construction varying lane closures will be in place both northbound and southbound on A3 Northern Parade and London Road. The southbound right turn lane into Northern Parade will be closed for seven weeks. Diversions will be clearly signed.
The Hilsea Crescent bus stop (Stop G) will be temporarily suspended; passengers should use nearby stops at Oakwood Road or Hilsea Lido.
Next steps on all other projects
In March 2024, we asked for feedback and ran an event about proposals to improve bus lanes at Norway Road. The feedback gathered from the survey and event will be analysed, alongside traffic modelling and other data, to help finalise the proposals. Once proposals have been finalised a decision will be made about whether the proposed improvements will go ahead.
In December 2024, we invited local residents to have their say on the proposed improvements at Walton Road, southbound on Eastern Road, Arundel Street, A3 Northern Parade and Lake Road. We held community engagement events near Arundel Street and Lake Road, Walton Road, and the A3 Northern Parade, and also ran an online survey for people to share their feedback.
In May 2025 we invited local residents to have their say on proposed improvements on Kingston Road, information on how to have your say, can be found on our Kingston Road webpage.
The feedback gathered from the survey and events will be analysed, alongside traffic modelling and other data, to help finalise the proposals. A decision on the improvements will be made, and if a decision is made for the proposed works to go ahead, work will begin shortly afterward.
For updates about the bus lane improvements, please continue to check this webpage, or contact us directly at citytravel@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
