THE people behind the current cycle lanes have “come to their senses”, says the Conservative transport spokesman.

The Labour councillors, who brought in the current controversial lanes in Brighton and Hove have called on the city council to halt further expansion until residents and groups are properly consulted.

The call came after the Green administration, which replaced the Labour group earlier this year, asked the government for £2.6 million to build extensions to the existing lanes.

Conservative councillor and transport spokesman, Lee Wares said: “The Conservative group are pleased to see the Labour group’s U-turn on their previous position.

“It is good to see they have recognised their errors as the architects of the chaos that has been brought upon our city.

“We are pleased they now echo everything we have been saying when they pushed their plans through with the Green Party in June when the Conservative group voted against the proposals.

“It is a shame that Labour voted against all the Conservative amendments and notice of motion at full council in August that would have provided everything they now ask for.

“I am sure however, many in the city will be disappointed it has taken Labour so long to come to their senses.”

The city council has asked the government for £2,680,000 to establish the “ambitious” cycle lanes – and to widen the pavement in Western Road – under its Emergency Active Travel Fund.

Tranche 2 plans include the extension of the current cycle lane in Old Shoreham Road, Hove, from Hangleton Road to the western border with West Sussex.

The council also proposes widening an existing cycle lane from the A23 London Road, from Stanford Avenue to north of Church Hill, including the Stanford Avenue arm of the A23 gyratory.

The council proposes an extension of the westbound segregated cycle lane on the A259 seafront road from Fourth Avenue, Hove, and the city’s western boundary. The Argus has previous revealed how a section of this route was given a “red” warning in the council’s own commissioned risk assessment.

A new cycle lane on the A259 Marine Parade between the Palace Pier and Dukes Mound is also proposed.

Labour councillors said they implemented the current lanes – known as Tranche 1 – under emergency rules.

They have called for their expansion – Tranche 2 – to be halted while the impacts are considered.

Labour transport spokesman Gary Wilkinson said: “Our priority is to encourage clean transport in the city to help us reach carbon net zero and we remain steadfast in our belief in a green recovery based on the needs of everyone who lives and works in the city and our many visitors who help to drive our local economy.

“We look forward to the climate assembly we set up considering these and a range of other changes to help us tackle the climate crisis in a way that ensures residents have their say and help shape the future of our city.”