THE council has announced plans introduce a new protected cycle lane, widen pavements and improve disabled access along the A259.

Brighton and Hove City Council have launched a six-week consultation into improvements for walking, cycling and accessibility between Fourth Avenue and Wharf Road in Hove.

The proposed cycle lane would run westbound along Kingsway from Fourth Avenue to Hove Lagoon in Wharf Road.

Plans also include more loading bays and improved junctions that are easier to cross for wheelchair users and people with pushchairs.

Brighton and Hove cycling campaign group Bricycles welcomed the proposals, and said the plans build on the success of the cycle lane installed last year.

In a statement, the group said: "The seafront is the jewel in Brighton and Hove's crown, but as a four-lane dual carriageway, it underperforms for retail and leisure as it's noisy, polluted and hard to cross.

"By reducing the dominance of motor vehicles and giving more space to people walking and cycling, these improvements will make the road more pleasant.

"A cycle lane can transport five times as many people as the equivalent space given to motor vehicles, so this is a more efficient use of public space."

Alongside the consultation, the council is also organising two drop-in information sessions at the King Alfred Leisure Centre, where residents and local businesses can look at the proposals in more detail, as well as talk to transport planners.

Sessions are set to be held on December 4 from 10am to 4pm, and December 7 from 12pm to 7pm.

Money for the proposed changes has come from the government's Active Travel Fund, which aims to increase walking and cycling and decrease car dependency.

Councillor Amy Heley, who co-chairs the environment, transport and sustainability committee, said: "I'm very pleased to see these plans to improve walking, cycling and accessibility along this part of the seafront and I would urge those residents and businesses impacted by the changes to have their say.

"We've seen a huge increase in the number of people choosing to travel by bike since the cycle lane between West Street and Fourth Avenue was installed and I'm confident the proposed extension will be just as popular, but this is about more than just that mode of transport.

"It's just as important that we have looked at ways to improve the space for pedestrians, enable walking and address issues with accessibility, including adding to the number of parking spaces for Blue Badge holders.

"We want everyone to be able to travel safely and sustainably in Brighton and Hove and enjoy improvements to their local area."

Comments on the proposals are being received until January 9.

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