Radical plans to revamp Lewes Road in Brighton have been backed by residents.

In April and May Brighton and Hove City Council ran a six-week public consultation on proposals to install dedicated bus and cycle lanes on Lewes Road.

A key feature of the plan involved two-metre wide cycle lanes running north and south through the Vogue Gyratory near Sainsbury’s.

Half of the width of the current dual carriageway between the Vogue Gyratory and the A27 would be used for bus and bike lanes, leaving one lane in each direction for cars and other traffic.

About 31,000 households were asked whether they agreed with the proposals with more than 4,100 responses received.

Sixty five per cent supported the idea of better bike lanes through the Vogue gyratory.

Sixty three per cent approved of the proposed bus and bike lanes on Lewes Road.

Of these, 81 per cent wanted buses and bikes to have their own lanes, rather than a combined one.

People who opposed the ideas were mainly concerned about possible traffic jams but officials said modelling had suggested problems would be unlikely.

Council bosses claim cutting the car lanes from two to one in both directions would see a 10 per cent reduction in car trips as people turn to walking, cycling or taking the bus.

Bus use would increase by 25 per cent and bus journey times would improve by 30 per cent.

The consultation results will be reported to the council’s transport
committee on October 2.

At this meeting councillors will be asked to approve advertising formal traffic orders for the council to make the changes.

Any adverts would appear in early October, before 21 days of further public consultation.

Chairman of the committee, councillor Ian Davey, said: “The response from local people has been very clear.

"They recognise these changes would make the road safer for cyclists, encourage cycling and improve bus services. But ultimately these changes will improve things for everybody, whichever mode of transport they choose to use.”