Portsmouth City Council, GB

Portsmouth City Council, GB takes aim at childhood obesity rates with Superzone Pilot

City officials surveyed parents and students at Arundel Court Primary Academy ahead of the one-year trial. Survey results shaped how the program's four pillars - healthy food, active places, cleaner air, and community and safety - are implemented. The pilot encourages families to forego cars for bikes and scooters in the Superzone's 400-meter radius. Portsmouth will evaluate the impacts of workshops on healthy lunches, prizes for active travel, and smoke-free pick-up areas on student health.

PC

Portsmouth City Council, GB

United Kingdom

Portsmouth City Council, GB experiments with bus lane access for private-hire vehicles

City officials selected five bus lanes near heavily travelled locations like the Ferry Port and Victoria Park. Drivers for services like Bolt and Uber travel with paying passengers in lanes marked by temporary signage. This three-month trial provides private-hire services with the same level of access as e-scooters, emergency vehicles, and licensed taxis. Portsmouth will use near-miss reports from cyclists and other feedback to evaluate safety concerns during the pilot.

PC

Portsmouth City Council, GB

United Kingdom

Portsmouth City Council, GB finds middle ground between tenants and landlords with mediation pilot

Any landlord or tenant with a dispute could initiate mediation through the Portsmouth Mediation Service. Trained staffers evaluated if the dispute required mediation or referral to other services. Free sessions explored the sources of tension based on landlord and tenant perspectives. The two-month pilot focused on sustainable and mutually beneficial outcomes. City leaders will use pilot data to shape rental policies and housing support services.

PC

Portsmouth City Council, GB

United Kingdom

Portsmouth City Council, GB installs LED crosswalk as part of Be Bright, Be Seen safety campaign

Project partner Colas added its Flowell LED lighting system to a busy crosswalk in the city center. The system illuminates speed bumps and lines when pedestrians are passing through the crosswalk. Portsmouth is the first city in the United Kingdom to use this technology. The Be Bright, Be Seen campaign also uses a near-miss reporting form for cyclists and educational sessions for motorists to improve road safety.

PC

Portsmouth City Council, GB

United Kingdom

Portsmouth City Council, GB implements Mockingbird Family Model for improved foster care outcomes

Foster Portsmouth recruited 10 foster families to participate in the pilot. These satellite families are part of a constellation connected to a central hub home. An experienced foster carer provides constellation members with assistance and referrals. The hub carer also schedules regular social events that bring together foster carers and children. Portsmouth hopes to reduce foster care challenges through collaboration among families.

PC

Portsmouth City Council, GB

United Kingdom

Portsmouth City Council, GB turns port into zero-emissions powerhouse with new solar installation

The Port Energy Systems Optimisation (PESO) project will add 1,670 solar panels at the Portsmouth International Port. A combination of rooftop and solar canopy panels will generate 750 kilowatts to power up to 30% of the port's operations. A 1 megawatt-hour on-site battery maintains port operations in case of external power outages. PESO fits into Portsmouth's vision of net-zero council operations by 2030 and a carbon-free port in the long term.

PC

Portsmouth City Council, GB

United Kingdom

Portsmouth City Council, GB develops Switched On Portsmouth program to cut household energy costs

This energy-saving program improves energy usage in households with health issues or receiving assistance. Portsmouth works with the Local Energy Advice Partnership (LEAP) to arrange free energy audits. These audits often lead to light bulb replacements and billing assistance. Referred households may qualify for free central heating systems and boiler repairs. Switched On Portsmouth also offers an energy-switch service and energy-efficient appliance swaps.

PC

Portsmouth City Council, GB

United Kingdom