Brighton residents launch opposite Madeira Drive campaigns

Cars have been banned from driving along Madeira Drive in Brighton since April, after Brighton and Hove City Council decided to create more space for residents to exercise at a safe distance during the coronavirus pandemic.

A poll taken by The Argus found 60 per cent of those who responded were in favour of making the change permanent.

However, a petition started by Hove resident Ollie Wilson to reopen the road to all users has received more than 2,100 signatures in two days.

The 58-year-old said: “I spend a lot of time on Madeira Drive and I know the traders well. I can see what immense damage it would do if this change was made permanent.

Ollie Wilson

“Businesses have been operating at a very low level during this crisis and this would be like another kick in the teeth.

“It makes a massive difference when people can park there and have food and drink – cyclists and runners do not stop at the cafes.

"It’s a very wide and long road and there’s so much space that there is room for everyone.”

Ollie, who works for a homelessness charity, also argues that a permanent car ban would discriminate against disabled people, as well as causing “significant financial hardship” to businesses in the area, including the Brighton Zip thrill ride on the seafront and the Concorde 2 music venue.

He said: “It would be favouring certain minority groups over others, as disabled people need to have access through taxis and cars.

"It’s very ill-conceived by the council – this is something which came in during a crisis which they are pushing to make permanent without a proper consultation.”

Madeira Drive was closed to cars in April

Ollie, who rides a Vespa scooter, said his campaign is getting a lot of support from mods and motorcyclists.

He added: “Last year we celebrated 40 years of Quadrophenia. Mods and motorcyclists come to Madeira Drive every year and they get on well these days.

“Heritage campaigners are also worried that if the change is made permanent it will be used as an excuse not to restore the arches as they should be.

"Our campaign is entirely inclusive – it’s live and let live.”

But some residents disagree. Ian Ross from Kemp Town is petitioning the council to extend the closure until the end of the year.

The 34-year-old, who is a managing director of an adult learning organisation, said: “Many residents feel there’s a real opportunity here to do something more with the space, rather than it just being an extended car park.

“If you’re going to reopen the road to traffic, where are people going to run and jog and walk at a safe distance? A lot more visitors will be coming to the city as the lockdown eases, especially if visitor accommodation and the hospitality sector is allowed to reopen in July, and it will put public health at risk.”

Ian Ross

Ian’s petition, which was launched on Wednesday, had 304 signatures at the time of going to press.

He believes businesses could adapt to the change and that keeping the area car-free would attract more footfall.

Ian said: “Sometimes I think small businesses are very quick to blame the Government or the council for their problems.

"The Jungle Rumble cafe has been busy offering takeaways this whole period – that’s an example of a business adapting to the crisis and it’s working for them.

"The area is notorious for antisocial behaviour and boy racers zooming along there at night, but that has ceased to be an issue since the ban.

“There is plenty of parking at the top, so it’s not closing the area to visitors, and we’re going to propose a specific space for disabled parking.

"My campaign is about putting local people and visitors before road traffic and pollution.”

Both petitions will be presented to the full council on June 23.