After more than 17 years of debate, potentially traffic-jam busting Red Routes for Brighton seem nearer than ever.
But what do you think?
Now is the time for the public to comment on details of the city council's plans to install the double red lines in two areas.
Under Road Traffic Acts, using legislation first enacted in 1991, a Red Route means that it would no longer be necessary for a civil parking officer to spot a parked vehicle then issue a parking ticket, more precisely known as a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).
Instead, the fine can be issued with much less human involvement, using the help of CCTV and automatic number-plate recognition.
Brighton and Hove City Council is today (Monday 24 July) launching a new public consultation on its plans to introduce Red Routes next spring:
- On Lewes Road from Elm Grove to the Vogue Gyratory; and
- On the A23 from Cheapside (by Aldi) to a little north of Preston Park — covering some of Lewes Road, and some of Preston Road.
The council says its aim is to tackle what it called "anti-social parking", and keep city traffic moving by using modern, faster methods of enforcing existing parking regulations.
Timing restrictions of loading and disabled parking bays will remain as they are now and will be shown on signage.
In more detail, Brighton and Hove City Council staff claim that red routes can:
- improve safety of pedestrians by preventing anti-social parking
- cyclists will no longer need to manoeuvre around vehicles parked in cycle lanes or on double lines
- improve safety for people using buses - with vehicles no longer parking in bus stops, it will be safer to board and alight
- drivers will no longer have to pull out to pass cars parked anti-socially
- improve journey times and help reduce air pollution by keeping traffic moving
Comments can be made via online questionnaire by Sunday 17 September.
People can also contact the council for a paper copy of the survey by calling 01273 295890.
Officials said information leaflets about the plans have also been sent to residents in the areas around the Red Routes.
Councillor Trevor Muten, Chair of the Transport and Sustainability committee, said:
“Red Routes are a practical solution that can help to prevent the anti-social parking that puts safety at risk and creates congestion.
“These changes will give us greater powers to enforce the restrictions that are already there, but we want to hear what residents and businesses along both routes have to say.
“We’ll be sure to take the views of everyone who comments on board so I’d urge as many people as possible to respond over the next eight weeks.”
The city council has offered these links for further information:
The A23 restrictions: https://consultations.brighton-hove.gov.uk/parking/a23-red-route/
The Lewes Road restrictions: https://consultations.brighton-hove.gov.uk/parking/lewes-road-red-route/
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