Special meeting to discuss plans for A259 Hove seafront

A Special Meeting of the Transport and Sustainability committee will take place tomorrow (Wednesday 21 June) to re-examine work planned for the A259 in Hove.

Councillors will discuss the design for the area between Fourth Avenue and Wharf Road (by Hove Lagoon).

The meeting follows a request by the new administration to review seafront pedestrian and cycle provision on the A259 and create a bi-directional cycle lane for the area between West Street and Wharf Road.

This would be to improve the scheme with additional investment.

The review would look at three key areas:

• Where possible the cycle lanes in both the east and west direction should be adjacent to each other and not separated by footways, effectively providing bi-directional cycle lanes in line with national standards. 
• The scheme is redesigned to reduce the loss of traffic lanes wherever possible. 
• Ensure the cycle route is as direct as possible and avoids detours, for example around King Alfred Leisure Centre.

The committee will then be asked to approve recommendations to stop the current work and redesign the scheme or continue as originally planned.

If approved, work would begin on developing a new design and securing funding for the new scheme.

Read more information in the report.

Picture: Stretch of A259 looking towards Hove Lagoon

Councillor Trevor Muten, chair of the Transport and Sustainability Committee, said: “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. 

“Cycle lanes are hugely important to our city and are a crucial part of travel and sustainability plan. We have to get them right. Most importantly, they must be safe and accessible for cyclists and pedestrians. 

“And remember that our seafront is an arterial route into and across our city for motorists, including those visiting the hospital, especially because we keep other city centre routes clear of all traffic except taxis and buses. 

“We need a better transport system that works for everybody however they choose to travel. Cycling, walking and driving along Hove seafront must be safe for all. Providing safe cycle routes encourages more people to cycle. Good traffic flow along main roads avoids cars on smaller roads and avoids congestion. Accessible pavements, distinct from cycle routes, make walking safer.

“Two lanes for vehicles in both directions means good access for buses and car-users including our disabled residents, the elderly and those with mobility issues.

“A two-way cycle lane separate from the pavement avoids putting pedestrians amongst cyclists and avoids having cyclists along the prom in front of Medina Terrace. 

“These common-sense improvements within the space available on the A259 in Hove will be better, safer, more accessible and more enjoyable for all.”

Councillor Bella Sankey, Leader of the Council said: “Our announcement today has the potential to be a win-win-win 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. 

“We are also committed to retaining and maintaining key arterial roads for buses and motorists and we believe that our city deserves all of these things. We want our proposed redesign to serve all residents and make our beautiful and iconic seafront safer, fairer and more accessible to all. 

“Should our plan be approved by the committee tomorrow we’ll be engaging with our residents to ensure the best possible redesign for Brighton & Hove.”