In a bid to reshape the transport infrastructure in Hove, a Special Meeting of the Transport and Sustainability Committee will be held tomorrow, Wednesday 21st June, to reconsider plans for the A259, a key coastal road stretch.
The Committee, presided over by Councillor Trevor Muten, will scrutinize the design for the area between Fourth Avenue and Wharf Road, adjacent to Hove Lagoon. The meeting comes in response to a request by the new administration to revisit the pedestrian and cycle provision on the A259, focusing on creating a bi-directional cycle lane between West Street and Wharf Road.
The key points for the review will be the alignment of the east and west cycle lanes, reduction in loss of traffic lanes, and ensuring the cycle route avoids unnecessary detours, like the one around the King Alfred Leisure Centre. The aim of the redesigned scheme is to improve safety and accessibility for all road users, with potential for extra investment.
The committee will weigh the options of halting current work and redesigning the scheme or continuing as originally planned. If the former is approved, the groundwork for a new design and the process of securing funding will commence immediately.
Councillor Muten highlighted the importance of the proposed changes, stressing on the need for an inclusive transport system. “We are today announcing exciting new proposals for a redesign of the planned active travel scheme for Hove seafront to allow for a continuous two-way cycle lane while maintaining a two-way vehicle lane,” Muten said.
These redesigns aim to enhance the safety and accessibility of cycle lanes and to ensure efficient traffic flow, thereby encouraging more people to use bicycles while also ensuring unobstructed vehicular traffic. Muten underscored the necessity for maintaining two lanes for vehicles in both directions, which would benefit disabled residents, the elderly, and those with mobility issues.
Backing the proposed redesign, Councillor Bella Sankey, Leader of the Council, labelled the announcement a “win-win-win” situation for pedestrians, cyclists, and road users. “We passionately believe in promoting walking and cycling in Brighton & Hove and delivering the highest quality, permanent, active travel infrastructure,” Sankey said. She added that, if the committee approves the plan, the council will engage with residents to ensure the best possible redesign for Brighton & Hove.
More details about the proposed plans can be found in the council’s report.
