David Courtney's proposals for a seafront monorail are certainly interesting (The Argus, July 1) and he is right to say that large, new developments must be served by efficient transport links.
However, surely the backers of this multimillion-pound scheme should first present a feasibility study and business case to Brighton and Hove City Council before it can decide to commit its support on behalf of taxpayers, rather than the other way round as the article suggests. The existing proposals for a bus-based, rapid, limited stop service had already attracted regional funding priority and could serve the same destinations, with the additional advantage of links to railway stations for commuters and visitors. It would also be possible to increase capacity at peak times.
Is it right to assume that regional transport funding would be on offer for two competing schemes at a time when the Government has signalled a move away from supporting light rail? The Conservative administration needs to quickly decide which of these schemes it is going to back, as any support for one will certainly undermine the case for the other.
My fear is that given the administration's lack of direction and decision-making on key issues, we will end up with neither.
- Councillor Gill Mitchell, leader of the opposition Labour group, Brighton and Hove City Council
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article