Keyhole Bridge Review

This consultation has concluded and responses are being analysed

We asked

In August 2020, BCP Council introduced an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) to prioritise walking and cycling on Whitecliff Road at Keyhole Bridge. This was to create a safer environment to travel to and through the area on foot or by bicycle. The ETRO could run for up to 18 months and a decision was made to withdraw the ETRO in March 2021.

A ruling published by the High Court on 18 November 2021 found that in ending the consultation period earlier than had originally been indicated, the council may have denied the opportunity for those who had not yet contributed to the consultation to do so. In line with that ruling, the council ran a further period of consultation from 28 February 2022 until 23:59 on 8 April 2022.

The purpose of this consultation was to gather any new thoughts, feedback or suggestions which, in addition to those gathered from the initial consultation exercise, may help inform a decision as to what changes to the road (if any) should be implemented.

You said

The consultation reports and other evidence considered for the Whitecliff Road/ Keyhole Bridge Further Review are available with the Cabinet papers.


We did

Councillor Mike Greene, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Sustainability, BCP Council, said:

 “We would like to thank the members of public who took such great interest in the future of Keyhole Bridge during the trial closure and through the course of the two consultations that have taken place in recent years.’’ 

 “Cabinet has now decided to introduce no changes and keep Whitecliff Road open as it is at present.

 “In making this decision Cabinet considered the views of all those who use this route for travel to work, school, or leisure, as well as the views of local Ward Councillors and all other evidence including the assessment reports appended to the cabinet report. 

 “On balance Cabinet considered that the benefits of retaining the access as it is outweighed the benefits of closing it to vehicular traffic.”



We asked

In August 2020, BCP Council introduced an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) to prioritise walking and cycling on Whitecliff Road at Keyhole Bridge. This was to create a safer environment to travel to and through the area on foot or by bicycle. The ETRO could run for up to 18 months and a decision was made to withdraw the ETRO in March 2021.

A ruling published by the High Court on 18 November 2021 found that in ending the consultation period earlier than had originally been indicated, the council may have denied the opportunity for those who had not yet contributed to the consultation to do so. In line with that ruling, the council ran a further period of consultation from 28 February 2022 until 23:59 on 8 April 2022.

The purpose of this consultation was to gather any new thoughts, feedback or suggestions which, in addition to those gathered from the initial consultation exercise, may help inform a decision as to what changes to the road (if any) should be implemented.

You said

The consultation reports and other evidence considered for the Whitecliff Road/ Keyhole Bridge Further Review are available with the Cabinet papers.


We did

Councillor Mike Greene, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Sustainability, BCP Council, said:

 “We would like to thank the members of public who took such great interest in the future of Keyhole Bridge during the trial closure and through the course of the two consultations that have taken place in recent years.’’ 

 “Cabinet has now decided to introduce no changes and keep Whitecliff Road open as it is at present.

 “In making this decision Cabinet considered the views of all those who use this route for travel to work, school, or leisure, as well as the views of local Ward Councillors and all other evidence including the assessment reports appended to the cabinet report. 

 “On balance Cabinet considered that the benefits of retaining the access as it is outweighed the benefits of closing it to vehicular traffic.”