Parking ban around Amex Stadium on matchdays

Traffic regulations are set to be brought in for a year as an experiment to see how the area will cope when 22,500 fans descend on it.

But councillors have warned that away fans could clog up narrow residential lanes in search of a parking space if the scheme is not handled correctly.

East Sussex County Council is expected to approve the experimental traffic regulation order next week, which will see roads closed off for major events at the stadium and new yellow lines introduced.

The plans centre around Falmer village, which will be completely closed to vehicles, except to residents accessing their homes from three hours before any event at the stadium to 30 minutes after.

Both The Drove to the south and Ridge Road to the north of Falmer will have yellow lines painted on them to try to stop fans parking on the carriageway or verges. There will also be yellow lines painted on Village Way, off The Drove.

The restrictions will be temporary and will be monitored over the next year. If they are successful they are likely to be made permanent.

East Sussex county councillor David Rogers, whose ward includes Falmer, said it was important to make sure the restrictions were appropriate before a final decision is made.

He said: “There is going to be a lot of upheaval for the residents of Falmer Village and all around the stadium. Fans coming down from other areas will be looking for a free place to park, as is normal at any football ground. In terms of Falmer they could cause a lot of congestion just by trying to drive down those narrow streets.

“I'm glad this is a temporary order because it's important to get this absolutely right.”

Last week Brighton and Hove City Council agreed to lease a patch of land to Albion to use as a small car park next to the stadium for disabled fans, as well as staff and players.

The club is currently working on a travel management plan and has applied for permission to build a 700-space park and ride at Brighton Racecourse.