The Brighton & Hove Labour Group of Councillors have signed up to the following motion that outlines the position we will take at the September meeting of the Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee:

1. As Labour we implemented changes during Covid under the emergency rules. Post-lockdown, we believe we should pause all Tranche 2 proposals to publicise and consult widely on the plans, and consider changes based on the evidence input from residents, user groups, experts including disability groups and equalities.
2. We want an evidence-based solution to getting the city moving, and a consideration of options to improve the shared use on Madeira Drive so that businesses, blue badge holders and pedestrians can use it in harmony.
3. We should look again at Old Shoreham Road, considering an officer report that includes resident consultations and is evidence-based, looking at traffic flows, and includes the position of neighbouring authorities.

Labour Opposition Spokesperson for Environment, Transport & Sustainability, Councillor Gary Wilkinson said:

“In keeping with our manifesto commitments, our priority is to encourage clean transport in the city to help us reach carbon net zero and we remain steadfast in our belief in a green recovery based on the needs of everyone who lives and works in the city, and our many visitors who help to drive our local economy.

“We look forward to the climate assembly we set up considering these and a range of other changes to help us tackle the climate crisis in a way that ensures residents across the city have their say and help shape the future of our city.”

It is important to note that the range of emergency temporary measures the council has taken to re-allocate road space to pedestrians, cyclists and for active travel, have been in response to the need for social distancing during the public health crisis, and in line with government guidelines. It is also worth noting that Covid-19 has not gone away, and in places numbers are increasing, making the need for temporary measures to maintain physical distancing event more important.

The government called on local authorities to take swift action “within weeks” to reallocate road space to cyclists and pedestrians to change travel habits before the easing of lockdown took full effect. We acted swiftly, but now we want to give residents longer to have their say on the impact of these changes – we want to hear from you.