EXTRA funding has been approved for temporary cycle lanes and walking facilities to support social distancing.

Brighton and Hove City Council has been allocated £663,000 by the Department for Transport to implement emergency travel measures amid the coronavirus crisis.

The council scored maximum marks in its application and has been allocated an extra £69,000 in funding than the £594,000 maximum bid allocation that was expected.

Temporary measures which have been approved include phase one of a new westbound on-carriageway temporary cycle lane on the A259 and widening the footways in London Road, St James’s Street, Church Road and streets in The Lanes.

Footways will also be widened in bus stops to allow for physical distancing and additional cycle parking will be provided at Valley Gardens to meet demand.

It follows temporary changes which have already been implemented, including the temporary cycle lane in Old Shoreham Road and closing Madeira Drive to motor vehicles to allow more space for cyclists and pedestrians.

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The council is anticipating a shortfall in public transport capacity due to the pandemic and says the temporary measures will allow for social distancing as more businesses reopen, and support the city’s economic recovery.

Plans to increase access to cycle parking and cycle hire, as well as an improved infrastructure for walking in the city, also aligns with the council’s commitment for Brighton and Hove to be carbon neutral by 2030.

All the measures are due to be completed within eight weeks of the council receiving funding.

Councillor Anne Pissaridou, chairwoman of the Environment, Transport and Sustainability committee, said: “I am delighted that we have been awarded this sum of money from the Department for Transport.

“These temporary schemes and improvements to the existing transport infrastructure enable both residents and visitors to move about the city safely as we start to reopen the city.

“The space we have reallocated for walking and cycling will have a lasting impact on Brighton and Hove as a city that champions active travel as we aim for the city to be carbon neutral by 2030.

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“I would also like to thank officers for their efforts in putting together this application, gaining maximum marks and therefore being awarded more money than expected – it is a testament to the work they do keeping our city moving.”

The council is inviting residents to have their say on the changes through an online survey, and in particular want to hear if the measures have altered people’s travel habits.

To complete the survey, visit www.consultations.brighton-hove.gov.uk. Residents can also submit their views by sending an email to transport.projects@brighton-hove.gov.uk.