A SEAFRONT roundabout could be converted into a T-junction as part of a multimillion-pound transformation of one of Brighton and Hove’s main tourist areas.

The £6 million overhaul of the junction by the Palace Pier would see Brighton’s “most hazardous junction” revamped in a bid to reduce accidents.

Councillors backing the move said the transformation of the city was long overdue but rival politicians have questioned whether a T-junction would make the area safer.

The roundabout overhaul is part of new, refined plans to be discussed by councillors at next week’s environment, transport and sustainability committee meeting.

Under the project, cars would be restricted to two northbound and two southbound lanes of traffic on the east side of Old Steine.

The lanes on the west side currently used by cars would be restricted to taxis and buses.

It had originally been proposed to expand the road on the east side to accommodate cars but officials said tests showed two lanes in both directions was unnecessary along the entire length of Old Steine.

Green space The amendments are also intended to increase the amount of green space and reduce the number of trees that will have to be felled.

The roundabout changes are part of phase three of the Valley Gardens scheme, which will cost a total of £14 million. Valley Gardens is made up of the series of green spaces that run from The Level to Old Steine.

For phase three of the project, £6 million of government funding will pay for the area between the Royal Pavilion and the aquarium roundabout, subject to approval, although the council will have to match-fund some of the project costs.

It is hoped that the £8 million cost of phases one and two of the scheme – covering the areas to the north of the Royal Pavilion – will be met by the Coast To Capital Local Enterprise Partnership.

A decision is expected in November and it is hoped work on that phase would be completed by summer 2017.

Green Councillor Ian Davey, lead member for transport, said the overhaul was necessary to make the key area “much more civilised” and to simplify the layout.

He said: “The aquarium roundabout is the most hazardous junction in the city, and we can’t sit back and watch more and more people get hurt trying to navigate it.

“It also holds up visitors trying to get between the seafront and The Lanes and Kemp Town, which is good for no one.

“The broad design ideas at the moment aren’t final, and will need more detail as we get closer to the time.”

Conservative councillor and opposition transport spokesman Graham Cox said: “This southern section of the scheme is still at the concept stage and no details such as road junctions have been decided on yet.

“However, the aquarium roundabout is a mess and is incredibly unsafe for all road users as it stands, so anything that improves on this situation will be most welcome.”

Councillor Gill Mitchell, deputy leader of the Labour group, said: “We are being asked to take on trust that replacing the Palace Pier roundabout with a giant T-Junction will work, and all without having enough funding in place to finish the job.

“I would urge Conservative councillors to rethink their support for this scheme, which gives every appearance of being made up on the hoof.”