Brighton & Hove City Council has announced plans to trial a new “pedestrian lane system” along the city’s popular seafront promenade in a bid to reduce footfall congestion during peak times.
Under the proposed scheme, visitors and residents will be encouraged to walk on designated left or right lanes, similar to road traffic systems, with clear signage and painted pathway markers guiding flow between Brighton Pier and Hove Lawns.
The move comes following an increase in complaints from residents over what the council calls “promenade drift” – where pedestrians frequently bump into one another due to unclear walking patterns, especially on busy weekends.
A spokesperson for the council said:
“Our seafront is one of the busiest in the country during spring and summer. This light-touch scheme is about promoting courtesy and improving the experience for everyone using the promenade—whether they’re out for a jog, a stroll, or walking the dog.”
How It Will Work:
Starting in mid-May, a stretch of the promenade will feature temporary painted arrows, dividing the walkway into two lanes: one for people heading east (towards Brighton Marina), and one for those going west (towards Hove). Friendly stewards will be present during weekends to help trial the system and gather public feedback.
The trial is purely voluntary, with no fines or enforcement, and will run for six weeks.
Local Reaction: Some residents have welcomed the idea, saying it could ease pedestrian congestion. “I’d love to be able to walk without dodging scooters, buggies and wandering tourists,” said Anne Richards, 66, of Kemptown. “As long as it doesn’t become too officious, I think it could work.”
Others are more sceptical. “Brighton’s charm is a bit of chaos,” said university student Jake Ward. “Next they’ll be painting zebra crossings for seagulls.”
Next Steps:
If the pilot is well received, the scheme may be expanded along the entire seafront, particularly during major events like Brighton Pride, the Marathon, and Airbourne.
The council is inviting feedback via its website from 2 April onwards.
