Brighton's Madeira Drive Could Soon Reopen - With Changes

Councillors in Brighton & Hove will discuss proposals next week.

Councillors at Brighton and Hove City Council will discuss proposals to reopen Madeira Drive at a meeting next week.

The seafront road has been closed to vehicles since April to give residents more space to exercise during lockdown.

It was agreed in a meeting in June that the road should remain closed to vehicles.

Members of the Environment, Transport and Sustainability (ETS) Committee will discuss proposals to reopen it next Tuesday, September 29.

If approved Madeira Drive would:
•    Allow one-way access eastbound from the Palace Pier roundabout to Duke’s Mound
•    Provide a two-way protected cycle lane on the carriageway by removing parking on the south side of the road
•    Relocate the existing cycle lane, allowing for a wider promenade for pedestrians
•    Provide 13 additional parking bays for Blue Badge holders, ensuring there are twice as many bays as previously available

Chair of the ETS Committee Amy Heley said:

“The nature of these urgent changes allows us to be flexible.  

“We’ve listened to residents and businesses and this option means we can still offer protected cycle routes, safe space for pedestrians and vehicle access for those who still need it.

“Madeira Drive is an iconic part of the city and we want everyone to be able to enjoy it safely.”

Other changes to transport in the area will also be discussed, including the new temporary cycle lanes on the A259 Brighton seafront and those on the Old Shoreham Road - both of which have been a bone of contention since their inception.

Indeed, part of the new temporary lane between the pier and West Street was removed soon after it was sectioned off after it caused tailbacks along the A259, Marine Parade.

The council reports:

•    A one-week average comparison shows a 21% increase in cyclists in September 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 on the A259.

and on the Old Shoreham Road:

•    61% increase in cyclists using Old Shoreham Road cycle lanes compared to 2016
•    An average of 545 cyclists using Old Shoreham Road cycle lanes per day

Councillor Heley added:

“We’ve seen significant changes to the way people are travelling around Brighton & Hove, even as we’ve come out of lockdown. More of us are walking and cycling, there are fewer cars on our roads and there are still a lot of people working from home. 

“In a short time, we’ve also seen the School Streets project supporting children back into the classroom, encouraging them and their parents and carers to walk, cycle or scoot to school.

“Covid-19 has not gone away and we’re seeing a rise in cases across the country.

“Active travel remains vitally important for helping people to move around our city safely and to support our economic recovery through this ongoing pandemic.”