Council chiefs have hit back at claims that a bus lane enforcement plan is “prejudiced” against residents and businesses.

Yesterday The Argus reported claims from traders in the London Road area of Brighton that planned traffic changes would result in gridlock.

It comes as Brighton and Hove City Council looks to formalise a traffic order which prevents vehicles other than buses, taxis or cyclists from using Oxford Street, Brighton.

Traders claim it means that delivery vehicles and residents of east Brighton will not be allowed to turn left into the road and face a one-mile detour.

But the local authority said the restrictions had always been in place and its aim was to make things clearer.

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Complaints A council spokeswoman said: “The council recently listened to complaints from local residents relating to unclear signage in and around Oxford Street.

“Officers discovered that the signage is unclear as it relates to an experimental bus lane arrangement that was implemented in Oxford Street some years ago, but never formalized.

“That signage includes historic ‘bus and cycle only’ signs restricting access from London Road at the entrance to Oxford Street. So effectively, the existing arrangement prohibits left turns into Oxford Street from London Road.

“The traffic order process enables the council to either formalize the existing traffic arrangement, and so clarify associated signage, or formally gather feedback that could support amendment to the existing arrangement.

“If anyone does have views on the existing arrangement, we would therefore encourage them to take the opportunity to register their views before November 12.”

For more details visit brighton-hove.gov.uk/ tro-proposals.