A planned cycle lane along the A259 could be delayed by at least six months as the project is redesigned.

Brighton and Hove City Council will review the proposals for a £475,000 seafront cycle lane between Fourth Avenue and Hove Lagoon.

The plans included raised “table junctions” at Medina Terrace, Sussex Road and King’s Esplanade and more dropped kerbs to make it easier for wheelchair users to cross the road.

However, the new Labour council has said it will change the project to address concerns from residents, including ensuring traffic keeps flowing along the highway.

A report said that the redesign will allow for the preliminary and detailed design stages, required road safety audits and limited internal consultations.

The redesign is likely to require the removal of a central reservation between Hove Street South and Wharf Road, which the council admits will result in additional scheme costs.

MOST READ:

A report into the proposed changes was made public just a day before councillors are due to discuss the proposal, with some opposition councillors criticising the Labour administration over a lack of transparency.

Green group leader Steve Davis said: “The lack of transparency from the Labour administration forces us to assume that they are scheduling a special meeting with the hopes to rush through a decision.

“Councillors from all parties will have little time to look at the report. Even more importantly, the public won’t get the chance to input into whatever decision is being proposed.”

Conservative councillor Samer Bagaeen also slammed the move and said: “Local democracy is not about rubber stamping reports councillors do not get to see but it is about scrutiny. It seems like Labour on Brighton and Hove City Council cares nothing for either democracy or scrutiny.”

Cllr Bella Sankey, leader of the council, said: “Our announcement today has the potential to be a win win win for pedestrians, cyclists and road users.

“We passionately believe in promoting walking and cycling in Brighton and Hove and delivering the highest quality, permanent, active travel infrastructure.

“Should our plan be approved by the committee tomorrow, we’ll be engaging with our residents to ensure the best possible redesign.”

Councillors will debate the proposed changes at a special meeting of the council’s transport committee tomorrow afternoon.