Brighton and Hove City Council is set to revolutionize the city’s traffic management by introducing Red Routes along nearly 2.5 kilometres of Lewes Road and London Road. This new initiative aims to address the persistent issue of antisocial parking and is expected to significantly improve traffic circulation within the bustling city.
Starting in early April, motorists found parking on these double red lines will face a £70 fine, a measure enforced through the use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and diligent traffic wardens. This move is part of the council’s broader strategy to streamline urban mobility and ensure a smoother transit experience for residents and visitors alike.
Funded entirely by the Bus Service Improvement Plan and the Carbon Neutral Fund, the Red Route project reflects Brighton’s commitment to sustainable urban development and its pledge to reduce carbon emissions. The council has assured that while the new rules are stringent, provisions have been made to accommodate certain exceptions.
Blue Badge holders, for instance, will still be able to be picked up or dropped off along the Red Routes, provided their vehicle does not park. The council promises discretion in situations necessitating vehicle access, like when a wheelchair needs to be retrieved or stowed. Furthermore, licenced Hackney Carriages and private hire vehicles are permitted to stop briefly to pick up or drop off passengers.
Emergency services, along with refuse and recycling vehicles operating under Brighton & Hove City Council, will not be subject to the Red Route restrictions. These essential services will maintain their ability to stop as needed along the designated roads to fulfill their duties.
For those who may inadvertently stop on a Red Route, the council has outlined its enforcement strategy, which includes issuing Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) via CCTV and ANPR technology, supported by the on-the-ground presence of Civil Enforcement Officers. The PCN for a Red Route violation is set at £70, halving to £35 if settled within 14 days, aligning with existing penalties for stopping on double yellow lines, bus stops, or bus lanes.
