Council holding drop in sessions for A259 cycle lane in Hove

In the scheme, one lane of the A259, Kings Esplanade in Hove, would be replaced with a cycle lane and extra pavement space as part of the city council's plans to give more people access to “safe, inclusive and sustainable travel.”

The sessions are at the King Alfred Leisure Centre in Hove.

Brighton and Hove City Council’s plans would mean the pavement outside the shops is widened, providing 190 square metres of additional space for people, while loading bays will be put in to provide businesses a designated area for lorries dropping off to ensure safe deliveries off the road.

• READ MORE: Cycle lane to 'repurpose' lane of traffic under proposals - what you need to know

The plans are an extension of the council’s phase one cycle lane, which runs along the A259 westbound from Hove Lawns, and should be completed by next summer.

The drop-in sessions this week are to give people a chance to speak about any concerns they may have, give feedback about the project and get information from council staff, who are there to provide insight on the plans.

Some pay and display parking spaces will be lost due to the construction but the exact number is unclear. The council would also put in three additional disabled parking bays along the seafront.

The parking bays and left-hand lane will be removed to create additional pavement space and a cycle lane

People’s feedback has been mixed, with some saying it will be a “waste of money” and some worried about traffic flow.

Last year, the council’s own commissioned impact assessment on the proposals received a “red” rating for its “impact on traffic flow” and its “value for money”.

• READ MORE: Proposed cycle lane given a RED warning by impact assessment (here are all the reports)

People are also concerned about cars turning right into one of the 17 residential streets that run along the length of the proposed cycle lane on what will be a single-lane road.

Other people said they “love” the idea, saying that it is “great to see priority towards active travel and improving ease of linked cycle journeys” and more space around the shops in the area.

The plans allow for additional cycle parking spaces, with ten per cent allocated for larger adapted bikes for people with disabilities.

The drop in area in King Alfred Leisure Centre which also has boards for people to put their feedback

Meanwhile, Westbourne Villas South bus stop will be removed due to “lack of use” and its proximity to better bus facilities.

The council would also be putting in a “parklet” which is a small area of seating space outside, near the beach.

There is one more drop-in session tomorrow, Tuesday, from noon to 7pm.

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