It is imperative that residents across the city have the opportunity to influence the decision-making process and have their voices heard.

The Brighton and Hove Labour Group of Councillors welcome the government’s announcement regarding tranche two funding for temporary emergency Covid transport measures.

However, Labour reiterate their calls for meaningful consultation with residents, businesses and stakeholders on the current tranche one transport changes and the potential future tranche two changes to ensure the city has their say.

When Labour implemented the first round of temporary measures, they were under extreme time pressure, with the government instructing councils to act “within weeks” to reallocate road space to cyclists and pedestrians.

As we move into tranche two, there is now the time to ensure we consult more fully and thoroughly than before, which is why Labour brought forward a motion calling for a consultation of no less than six weeks before any further changes are made to roads such as Old Shoreham road.

Labour insists it is imperative that residents across the city have the opportunity to influence the decision-making process and have their voices heard. Now that tranche two funding is confirmed and officers have greater guidance from government, Labour asks that the meaningful consultation they pushed for begins swiftly.

Labour’s amendment at today’s Special Meeting of the Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee entrenches that consultation on tranche 1 and tranche 2 within the recommendations of the report.

Opposition Lead for the Environment, Transport and Sustainability committee, Labour Councillor Gary Wilkinson said:

“We are pleased that the government has provided us with clarity and confirmed tranche two funding – to receive this level of funding is fantastic news. We recognise that Covid numbers remain too high in the city.

“However, it is now time for the council to get moving with the meaningful consultation we called for. Residents must have their say on the existing transport changes and on any future plans before further changes are made to our roads.

“This consultation plan before us today is robust. It will give all our residents and stakeholders an opportunity to express their views on the tranche 2 active travel measures as well as seeking views on the current tranche 1 measures. The Labour group are asking for an amendment to the recommendations in order to seek assurance that our residents will be properly consulted on the tranche 1 schemes and to add clarity by separately consulting on the tranche 1 and tranche 2 measures. We are also asking that reports summarising the deliberations of the  Active and Inclusive Travel Forum are brought back to this committee on a regular basis.

“It is imperative that residents across the city have the opportunity to influence the decision-making process and have their voices heard.”

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Photo by Matt Seymour via Unsplash.