Roads near to popular Portsmouth pubs could be partially closed to allow outside dining
PLANS are being drafted up to partially close roads near popular pubs and restaurants to provide more space for punters to eat and drink outside ahead of Saturday’s lockdown easing.
Portsmouth City Council will trial the proposal in Osborne Road, Southsea, by introducing a one-way marshalled system to help control traffic.
It’s hoped the plan could free up more outdoor space to allow restaurants and bars to offer al-fresco dining between 5pm and 9pm on Firday and Saturday evenings.
If the pilot is successful it could be rolled out at other locations across the island.
Explaining the move, city council boss Gerald Vernon-Jackson said: ‘This is about what the council can do to help local businesses. We’ve written to all the restaurateurs and pub landlords to see what they think about the proposal.
‘It’s not about creating space for people to stand around drinking but it would create additional space for tables and chairs for people to sit and have a drink and food.
‘Using some of the road parking areas would also allow more space for social distancing for diners and pedestrians.’
The council chief added he was remained concerned about the coronavirus infection rate.
But he said: ‘I think the re-opening is fine if done safely and sensibly.
‘Last week we had just one person in the city test positive for coronavirus and across the whole of June we had just five.
We’ve done incredibly well to have low rates of infection and want to keep it that way.’
The council is now waiting for the Business and Planning Bill to be passed through Parliament.
The bill would allow the authority to use road space for additional dining as well as fast-tracking the application process from 28 days to just five.
While the initial response has generally been positive, some retail outlets have expressed concerns over reduced footfall due to loss of parking.
Cllr Veron-Jackson added: ‘We could potentially start the trial as early as next weekend (July 11) and if successful we could next look at the south end of Palmerston Road.’