One of the UK's biggest cities is set to issue new bans on motorists as part of a major crackdown. Road users will be banned from stopping, parking, loading or unloading along a specific new red route being installed in Brighton. The new route will be located down the Western Road, between Holland Road and Montpelier Road in the city centre.
Trial Period and Enforcement
The new ban is set to be introduced on a trial basis for six months, although the plan could be extended. However, the experimental traffic order cannot be extended beyond 18 months, with changes to the scheme implemented only in its first year. Motorists will only receive warning letters during the first two weeks of the trial, but £70 penalty charge notices will be issued soon afterwards. Quick-thinking road users can reduce their penalty to just £35 if they pay within 14 days.
Monitoring and Public Consultation
Brighton and Hove Council will monitor road users with cameras, which will also be used to enforce restrictions and issue fines. The plans were put to local residents through a public consultation, with the new plan receiving a whopping 1,032 responses. A staggering 91% of responses were from residents, with 3% coming from businesses, 5% from visitors and 1% from others. According to the council, half of the respondents said the new plan would make the area safer, with 56% claiming the new red route would help keep traffic moving.
Previous Red Routes and Costs
It is not the first time Brighton has introduced red routes, with the system previously established on London Road, Preston Road and Lewes Road two years ago. It is expected that around £200,000 will be put towards establishing the new Western Road route. Council chiefs have stressed the new rules would help tackle congestion and make the route safer.
Council Statement
A Brighton and Hove City Council spokesperson told Express.co.uk: "Red routes are widespread in London and used elsewhere in the UK and the data from red routes here in Brighton & Hove shows demonstrable safety, traffic, air quality and community improvements. The new red route is designed to address persistent problems on this specific road and we have engaged at length with local residents and businesses to fine-tune proposals. We will continue to engage with the community throughout the trial period and make adjustments where needed."
