Brighton dental practice says cycle lane will block parking

Andrew Evans, one of the managing directors at The Dental Practice UK in Preston Road, Brighton, says he feels “bullied” by the city council because he was not consulted on plans for the temporary cycle lane, which is under construction.

He said: “Our business specialises in dental treatment and producing dentures for elderly people.

“The business is on its knees because of Covid-19 and we are just trying to provide treatment for people who have not been able to get out for months during lockdown.

“The cycle lane will come up off the road onto the pavement and block off the whole front of the building and there will be no access for patients to park, including two disabled spaces.

"They're making a road out of bollards either way for a two-way cycle lane. Outside my building they've got to bring it back onto the pavement so we will not be able to get on or off.

A new temporary cycle lane is being put in place in Preston Road

“It’s really frustrating as there has been no consultation and it’s just not been thought through.”

Andrew said he received a letter from Brighton and Hove City Council about changes to the road layout to allow for the new cycle lane, along the A23 Preston Road between Argyle Road and Dyke Road Drive.

He said: “The council contacted me to say I do not have a licence for the dropped curve outside the building, which I bought three years ago because of the parking. We know the dropped curve has been there since before 1990. I’ve had to get a solicitor involved, which is another expense.

“We’ve had no support from the council throughout the crisis in the form of any grants, unlike other businesses.

"A lot of other dentists which have not opened up are getting us to do their denture work for them.

“I’ve got nothing against cyclists, it has just been done very quickly. If there had been consultation and thought it could have been an improvement.

"They are taking one lane away and when buses stop it will block the road. The junction with Dyke Road Drive will be more dangerous, in our view.”

A spokesman for Brighton and Hove City Council said: “As the city begins to see more people go back to work, there is a need for residents to carry on cycling and active travel.

Andrew says bollards for the cycle lane will block access to parking outside the practice

"With public transport capacity reduced, the city could experience significant congestion unless an increase in alternative sustainable options including cycling is facilitated.

“To encourage cycling it is proposed to increase the provision of cycle lane along the A23 Preston Road between Argyle Road and Dyke Road Drive.

"The connection to this cycle lane will be improved by closing the junction of Argyle Road at Preston Road to motor vehicles and introducing a cycle lane in  Argyle Road, between Campbell Road and Preston Road, and this will make this area quieter and safer for cyclists.

“To support the cycle lanes no loading restrictions will also be introduced to ensure the lanes are kept clear and unobstructed of parked vehicles.

“Members of the public are encouraged to comment.”