A NATIONAL broadcaster has suggested all traffic be removed from Brighton seafront.

Jeremy Vine, known for his BBC Radio 2 lunchtime programme, described the A259 as a “traffic sewer” that runs alongside a beach.

His comments came as a 600m part of the new temporary cycle lane was removed after concerns from Brighton and Hove Bus Company.

Mr Vine tweeted: “Oh, because cars don’t have enough space on Brighton seafront.

“Let’s be honest, anyone who has visited Brighton despairs at that traffic sewer that runs alongside the beach.

“This is probably the moment to close the filthy seafront road completely and let this beautiful town breathe its own sea air at last.”

The Argus interviewed the new Green transport chief, Councillor Pete West, for his appraisal of the new road layout measures which are a response to the Covid pandemic.

He was asked whether a long-term vision for the seafront road could include moving traffic somewhere else while maintaining access for cyclists and public transport.

Cllr West said: “That would certainly be my vision for it.

“Lots of other tourist destinations across the county have been catching up a bit, you’ve got to stay ahead of the game.

“I think, particularly that stretch along the front end, it needs to be a lot nicer and needs to work a lot harder.

“From the frontage of the businesses to the railing of the prom, there’s a lot

of space there which is severed.

“What we want is to reconsider what traffic is coming through that space.”

The former mayor, who used to ride around the city with his assistant on a tandem bike, believes the government cycling grants and increased bicycle use are a “silver lining” to the pandemic and is urging residents to get behind the schemes.

However, current changes – cycle lanes on the A259 and Old Shoreham Road and the continued closure of Madeira Drive – have proved controversial and a no confidence in Brighton and Hove City Council petition has been signed by more than 2,000 people.

Brighton and Hove City Council is currently holding public consultation on the changes to transport and travel in the city.

Have your say by visiting https://consultations.brighton-hove.gov.uk/parking/covid-19-temporary-measures/.