Western Road reopens with red route markings in pictures

Brighton and Hove City Council announced the opening of Western Road on November 10, following reconstruction work between Holland Road in Hove and Montpelier Road in Brighton.

Resurfacing began on September 28.

The red route replaces double yellow lines with double red lines, enforced by CCTV.

Under the council's red route rules, drivers can stop, park or load and unload only in marked bays, with signs showing the restrictions and times.

The council says Blue Badge holders can be picked up or dropped off if the vehicle is not parked, and staff will use discretion when a wheelchair is being removed.

Drivers breaking the rules will receive warnings during the first two weeks of the experimental traffic order.

After that, the council will issue a £70 penalty charge, reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days.

For the first six months, cameras will monitor traffic flow, loading and disabled bays so the council can assess the scheme and make necessary changes.

The experimental traffic order cannot run for more than 18 months. Changes can be made only during its first year, after which a permanent order would be needed.

The reopening had previously been delayed after a protest against the red route, which the council said prevented the final work from being completed.

Earlier this year, senior councillors approved the red route for the Western Road despite opposition from traders, who warned they could take legal action.

The red route will ban drivers from stopping on Western Road between Montpelier Road in Brighton and Holland Road in Hove.

The council has said the red route is intended to tackle illegal and antisocial parking.