The Labour Group of councillors has confirmed that it stands by its decision to remove the temporary Old Shoreham Road cycle path.

At the special ETS committee in July, Labour’s amendment to proceed with all the active travel measures except the Old Shoreham Road was passed.

This followed Labour calls to pause the measures whilst a meaningful consultation was held within the city.

Councillor Gary Wilkinson, Opposition spokesperson for Environment, Transport and Sustainability, said

“Labour is determined to promote active, healthy communities across our city, as well as tackling climate change which is why we support extending the vast majority of the temporary schemes we implemented.

We are keen to ensure there is more active travel infrastructure built around the city, however the party have always been clear that residents must be the drivers of any transport changes, and their opinions must be respected.

In calling for a consultation, we ensured that residents, businesses and other stakeholders had a say. Whilst others wanted to push ahead with the measures, Labour realised the importance of actually listening to residents.

It was the true test of local opinion and despite its limitations, Labour feel residents have made their feelings clear and want this temporary cycle lane, removed.

That’s why we will continue to stand with residents in calling on the Green minority administration to remove the temporary cycle lane on the Old Shoreham Road and have submitted an amendment calling on today’s Urgency Sub-Committee to reaffirm the recent special committee decision to do so.

We are honest enough to understand when something has seemed a good idea on paper, but is simply not working and is not used.

What we need is to understand the successes and failures of all the temporary schemes that were established so that we can plan effectively for more and better cycle lanes in the future. Labour remain absolutely committed to further Active Travel measures, to carbon neutrality, and to a car-free city-centre, but we MUST ensure that schemes work, and that we take residents with us on this urgent journey ”.

Photo Credit: Creative Commons.