THREE more of the controversial active travel schemes aimed at encouraging more people to walk and cycle in Bournemouth and Poole have been put on hold following a backlash from the public.

BCP Council has “deferred” planned road closures in Windham Road, Wimborne Road and Vicarage Road as well as the protected cycle lane in Glenferness Avenue.

The move follows a backlash over the schemes, including pressure from Poole MP Sir Robert Syms who has raised concerns with transport secretary Grant Shapps and protests across the two towns.

The three affected schemes were all announced by BCP Council last month, funded through the government’s Emergency Active Travel Fund.

Read more: Protected cycle lane set for Glenferness Avenue
Read more: Protests against road schemes in Bournemouth and Poole

But concerns have been raised over the way consultation for the projects has been handled and the effectiveness of the measures.

Last month, the Christchurch Independents – despite being a part of the ruling Unity Alliance – announced they would not support any scheme in Christchurch which involved restricting a road.

The latest deferrals follow decisions to drop plans to close a section of East Overcliff Drive in Bournemouth to traffic and to delay closures in Boscombe Overcliff, Southbourne Overcliff and Cleveland Road.

Cabinet member for transport, councillor Andy Hadley, said “further views” from the public would be sought before some proposed measures were brought in.

The latest decision will see the closure of Windham Road at the junction with Ashley Road in Springbourne put on hold; closures at Wimborne Road and Vicarage Road in Poole deferred; and the plans to install bollards to create a protected cycle lane in Glenferness Avenue, Bournemouth, shelved.

Cllr Hadley said the council would continue to promote more sustainable methods of travel for shorter journeys but said more consultation was needed on some of the measures.

Read more: Active Travel schemes - what are they and why do the matter?

“Whilst these travel measures are designed to increase safety, to be temporary and to allow time for people to give their feedback based on their experiences, we recognise we need to pause some of them and to seek further views from local people,” he said.

“We must strive to meet our climate emergency goals, deliver on our vision to create vibrant communities, and contribute to the new National Walking and Cycling Strategy.

“We are keen to work with local communities on the extent, location and style of these schemes, and we need the views of those living, working in, and passing through to help shape future plans.”

He said “tight timescales” set by the government as part of the £1.4 million funding agreement meant only “very limited” consultation could be carried out up front.

Under the orders used to implement the active travel proposals, consultation will be carried out during the first six months of each scheme’s implementation.

The council has confirmed proposals at Birds Hill Road and Churchfield Road will be progressed as planned.