ENVIRONMENTAL campaigners have slammed plans to introduce a permanent loading bay they say will block a cycle lane on a busy thoroughfare.

Brighton and Hove Friends of the Earth (BHFOE) is objecting to the city council’s proposal to create a 24-hour loading bay in Lewes Road, close to the Elm Grove junction.

BHFOE members are concerned it would result in the cycle lane to the Vogue Gyratory and out to the universities being permanently blocked at such a busy location.

Chris Todd, of BHFOE, said: “Making the loading bay permanent, operating 24 hours a day, is a backward step.

“It would be permanently parked in, forcing cyclists out into the mainstream traffic.

“This would deter some people from cycling, while putting others at increased risk.

“The biggest problem is the lack of enforcement but giving up and making things more dangerous for cyclists is unacceptable.

“The loading bay could also make it harder for buses to properly access the stops, making it more difficult for older and disabled people to use them.

“A major omission is that the council has failed to take the opportunity to extend the clearway times in the afternoon to keep the cycle lanes clear for children coming home from school or going to the park.

“It needs to revisit this Traffic Regulations Order and resolve these issues urgently.”

Currently, the loading bay at the west side of Lewes Road is only meant to be used in off-peak periods.

The group proposes that the change would increase the danger for cyclists using the lane and deter people from cycling on the route.

Campaigners say it could also make it harder for buses to access stops beyond the loading bay, even with the bus stops being extended.

Calls have also been made for the clearway times to be modified to keep the cycle lanes clear from 3pm, instead of 4pm as they currently are, to make it safer for children cycling home from schools in the area.

The council wants to introduce the permanent bay to allow easier access for vehicles making deliveries to business frontages in the area.

The Argus contacted the city council for a comment on the matter but had not received a reply before going to print.

To take part in a public consultation on the proposal, which runs until December 1, visit brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/parking-and-travel.

For more information about the plans, and BHFOE’s objections to them, visit bhfoe.org.