Brighton & Hove City Council has announced a temporary traffic order that will see a key taxi rank and several parking bays in the city centre suspended for up to two years to allow development works to take place.
The order, made under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, came into force on 1 October 2025 and is set to remain in effect until 30 September 2027. It will affect both West Street and Middle Street, two of Brighton’s busiest roads.
According to the notice, a 23-metre stretch of taxi rank on the eastern side of West Street will be suspended from Monday to Friday between 7am and 6pm, and on Saturdays from 7am to 1pm, excluding bank holidays. Similarly, parking bays opposite 66 to 71 Middle Street will be closed for roughly the same distance and duration. The council says the suspension is necessary to give contractors access to the area while development work is carried out.
The decision, confirmed by the council’s Corporate Director for City Operations on 24 September 2025, was formally published on 3 October. Notices have been issued from Hove Town Hall, advising residents and motorists of the changes.
The move has already raised concerns among local drivers and businesses. Some taxi operators fear that losing a central rank for such a long period will make it harder to pick up fares efficiently, potentially leading to congestion as drivers search for alternative spaces. Nearby shop owners also worry that the removal of convenient parking will deter customers, especially during the busy weekend trade.
One local business owner, who asked not to be named, said: “If customers can’t stop nearby, they’ll just head to Churchill Square or somewhere with easier access. Two years is a long time to lose parking right outside your door.”
While the council insists the temporary order is essential to support necessary development, the lack of detail about the specific works has left some residents frustrated. The affected streets sit at the heart of Brighton’s nightlife and retail district, meaning even short-term disruptions can have a significant impact.
The order will not apply on bank holidays, and the council advises anyone affected to plan alternative parking or drop-off arrangements during the restricted times. For further information, residents can contact Brighton & Hove City Council’s City Operations office at Hove Town Hall.
As construction begins, many will be watching closely to see how long the works really take—and whether the council takes steps to minimise disruption in one of the city’s most heavily used areas.
To read the full notice, go to publicnoticeportal.uk/notice/traffic-and-roads/68df79824eb36fe3f302a84d.
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