Western Road in Brighton was due to reopen this weekend after being closed for more than 40 days for resurface work and the introduction of a ‘red route’ aimed at tackling illegal and anti-social parking.
But Brighton and Hove City Council said a protest against the route on Thursday evening prevented the final work from being completed.
The council now expects reopening to begin on November 10, with the road fully reopened on November 11, subject to the work being finished.
Existing diversions and road closures will remain in place until then.
Council leader Bella Sankey said it was “unfortunate and disappointing” that the actions of a “tiny minority” had resulted in the road closure being extended.
She added that the protest had caused “further unnecessary disruption for thousands of residents, businesses and everyone who relies on the road”.
“I want to pay a special thanks to the teams of public servants and contractors who have worked incredibly hard to get us to this point and are doing everything they can to get things back on track,” she said.
“They are the unsung heroes of our city who get on with delivering day in, day out, to improve things for the rest of us.”
The implementation of the red route has proved contentious, with traders raising concerns about its impact on businesses and accessibility.
Business owners say the route closure has also caused thousands of pounds in lost trade, with some deciding to close because of the downturn.
More than 4,000 people signed a petition against the proposals in September.
Western Road is used by thousands of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians every day, as well as around 700 buses carrying passengers between Hove and the city centre.
The council said it had received regular complaints about vehicles stopping illegally on double yellow lines along the route, contributing to congestion and delays.
Enforcement of the red route will begin under an experimental traffic regulation order, with the arrangements monitored and people able to comment on how they are working.
Changes can be considered for six months after the scheme is introduced.
Source link
[Featured]
[Just In]
