Gardner Street proposals will support businesses

Councillors will next week be asked to agree plans to change vehicle access restrictions on a popular street in the city.

The changes would allow businesses on Gardner Street, if granted a license, to expand their outdoor seating, create a shared space for pedestrians and cyclists, improve safety for all users, reduce noise pollution and improve air quality.

A report going before members of the Environment, Transport and Sustainability committee is recommending the street be made vehicle free between the hours of 11am and 5pm.

The proposals would also relocate the two existing Disabled Parking Bays in Gardner Street and create seven new Disabled Parking Bays in the parallel Regent Street, approximately 90 metres away, improving accessibility for Blue Badge holders in the North Laine area of the city.

Loading in Gardner Street would be permitted between 7pm and 11am.

Read the report.

Consultation with residents and businesses

Vehicle restrictions were first applied to Gardner Street in July 2020 using what’s known as an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) to allow for greater social distancing to take place during the Covid-19 pandemic.

At the end of the ETRO’s 18 month period, the road reverted to its former restrictions with vehicle access limited at weekends only. 

Following further engagement, a review took place to look at options for improved accessibility for Blue Badge holders and support the local economy.

As part of the statutory process of making these new proposals, we advertised the Traffic Regulation Order to allow residents and businesses to comment and share their views. Ward councillors were also consulted.

185 comments were received during this period, of which 110 were supportive of the changes.

Supporting the local economy 

Councillor Steve Davis, Co-Chair of the Environment, Transport and Sustainability committee said: “Reducing the amount of traffic in the city centre was the number one priority of Brighton & Hove’s climate assembly so I am delighted that councillors will have the opportunity to support the requests of the city’s residents. 

“These changes will support our local businesses through some extremely tough economic times, allowing them to expand outdoor seating and hopefully attract more custom and trade.

“While putting forward plans to pedestrianise parts of our city centre it is essential that we consider the needs of all of our residents. The extra seven Disabled Parking Bays in nearby Regent Street would also mean that more Blue Badge holders can access the North Laine area, 

“The new shared space in Gardner Street will be accessible for all, including pedestrians, cyclists and wheelchair users. We’ll also be installing more dropped kerbs to ensure better access to businesses on both sides of the street.

“These plans will see Gardner Street become a much safer, cleaner and more welcoming place for people to visit and support the local economy.”