Petition opposes 'alienating' red route plans

An online petition opposing a proposed 'red route' traffic restriction in Brighton and Hove has collected over 900 signatures.

Florist Pauline Ford set up the petition against the vehicle stopping rules outside her shop, claiming they "risk alienating a significant portion of our customer base".

Brighton & Hove City Council's cabinet agreed in principle in March to create red routes on Western Road and Queens Road, and make existing restrictions permanent.

The council's cabinet member for transport, Trevor Muten, said: "We're committed to working with traders, residents and visitors to ensure our red routes work well for everyone."

Red routes, marked with signage and double red lines, bar motorists from stopping apart from in designated bays.

Ms Ford said her Western Road shop would find loading larger floral arrangements challenging, struggle to take deliveries, and would not be able to have its window cleaner park outside.

She said in the petition: "This red route could disproportionately affect those who rely on assistance to access our businesses.

"Customers with disabilities, elderly patrons and those with limited mobility often depend on close and convenient parking or drop-off points."

The council expects to implement the red route by the end of 2026, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Mr Muten said the Western Road red route would "go a long way in helping to keep this busy part of the city safe and moving" and the existing restrictions had prompted "a lot of positive feedback".

"They've made travelling in those areas safer and journeys less congested and more reliable," he added.

Brighton & Hove City Council will meet with Western Road traders when the proposal goes to public consultation later in 2025, the councillor said.

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