Proposals for Brighton roads to be closed with major changes

It is hoped the measures could support the "reopening of retail in a Covid-19 secure environment and encourage active travel around the city".

Brighton and Hove City Council has received a proposal for closing the northern ends of Black Lion Street and Ship Street to "restrict through traffic and provide space for pedestrians".

Another measure suggested is a temporary cycle lane improvements along the A259 between Brighton Palace Pier and the western boundary of the city.

This is likely to see the cycle lane replace one lane of the seafront road, which is separated from the traffic by a verge.

It would be separated from the promenade by the existing fence, with the seafront walkway devoted entirely to pedestrians.

A final measure detailed by the council is the continued closure of Madeira Drive.

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A car ban was introduced in the road on April 20 to give Brighton and Hove residents a safe space to exercise and adhere to social distancing rules during the UK lockdown.

There has been animated support and opposition to the scheme, with businesses saying the road closure could cause problems for their companies as customers were no longer able to access their sites.

Traders recently met councillors to discuss these concerns and the council has said access arrangements for businesses will be reviewed as part of ongoing discussions.

Read more: Traders say changes are needed before seafront road can be pedestrianised>>>

A recent poll by The Argus found that, if changes suggested by traders such as public transport in, and easier access to, Madeira Drive were implemented, 57 per cent of the 580 people who responded would support pedestrianising the road.

Anne Pissaridou, chairwoman of the environment, transport and sustainability committee, said: “We are continuing to react to the ‘new normal’ where fewer people are travelling by car and more of us are walking and cycling.

"Measures we’ve already put in place are supporting the reopening of retail in a Covid-19 secure environment and encourage active travel around the city, but these proposals will move us to a new level.

“Reallocating space for cycling and walking will have a lasting impact on our health, but also support our desire to be a carbon neutral city by 2030.” 

These proposals will be discussed at a meeting of the environment, transport and sutainability committee this afternoon at 4pm.