Brighton & Hove Gets More Money Than Expected For Post-Covid Transport Improvements

Tuesday, 30 June 2020 22:04

By John Warburton @Warblefly

Artist's impression of the A259 sea-front expanded cycle lane in Brighton

The Department for Transport has awarded over £650,000 to Brighton and Hove City Council for its "Urgency Response Transport Action Plan", helping the city's commuters avoid using public transport in a healthy way.

The city council said on Tuesday (June 30) that it had successfully obtained funds from the Department of Transport — and they were greater than anticipated (£663,000) because the grant application had scored "maximum marks" against government criteria for transport improvements.

According to the local authority, the funding will go toward creating emergency "active travel" measures in anticipation of the shortfall in public transport capacity.

These include new temporary cycle lanes and improving the existing cycle infrastructure, enhancing walking facilities to support physical distancing and active travel, business re-opening, and upgrading the access to cycle parking and cycle hire around the city.

The temporary measures that have been approved and are underway include phase one of the new westbound temporary cycle lane on A259 coastal road from Marine Drive to the western boundary of Hove.

Also in the plans are footway widening in retail areas and bus stops to allow social distancing, and additional cycle parking at Valley Gardens to meet demand.

All improvements are due to be completed within eight weeks of receiving funding.

Councillors said they were committed to supporting Brighton & Hove to reopen as "a healthier, stronger and safer city — fit for the future".

They added that renewed cycling and walking infrastructure in the city was vital for guaranteeing an emergence from lockdown with foundations for this future, that also align with the authority's commitment for the city to be Carbon Neutral by 2030.

Councillor Anne Pissaridou, Chair of the Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee, said:

“I am delighted that we have been awarded this sum of money from the Department for Transport.

“These temporary schemes and improvements to the existing transport infrastructure enable both residents and visitors to move about the city safely as we start to reopen the city."

She continued:

“The space we have reallocated for walking and cycling will have a lasting impact on Brighton & Hove as a city that champions active travel as we aim for the city to be carbon neutral by 2030.

“I would also like to thank officers for their efforts in putting together this application, gaining maximum marks and therefore being awarded more money than expected is a testament to the work they do keeping our city moving.”