Motorists risk £70 fine this summer as new traffic rules get introduced to tackle congestion

New red routes are set to come into effect on one of Brighton's busiest roads this summer in a bid to crack down on anti-social parking and congestion.

Brighton & Hove City Council confirmed the new restrictions will be introduced along Western Road between Holland Road and Montpelier Road following a public consultation.

The route will replace double yellow lines with double red lines, allowing parking restrictions to be enforced through CCTV cameras as well as traffic wardens.

The council explained that the scheme is designed to improve safety, help buses run more reliably and keep traffic moving through the busy shopping area.

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

Under the rules, motorists will only be allowed to stop in specially marked bays for loading, disabled parking or pick-ups and drop-offs.

The authority has also confirmed that drivers caught stopping illegally on the route could face a £70 Penalty Charge Notice, reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days.

But the council did note that warning notices, rather than fines, will be issued during the first two weeks after the route becomes operational to allow motorists time to adjust.

The scheme follows earlier red routes introduced on Lewes Road, London Road and Preston Road in April 2024. A public consultation on the Western Road changes received more than 1,000 responses from residents, businesses and visitors.

According to the council, 50 per cent of respondents said they believed the red route would improve safety, while 53 per cent thought it would make bus journeys quicker, and 56 per cent said it would help traffic flow better.

Council leaders said Western Road has suffered from years of anti-social parking, with vehicles stopping on double yellow lines, cycle lanes and bus stops.

As part of the changes, 10 loading bays will be installed along the route, creating around 140 metres of loading space for shops and businesses.

Additional disabled parking bays will also be introduced on Western Road and nearby side streets after concerns were raised during the consultation process.

The red route will initially operate under an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order, meaning changes can still be made during the first 12 months if issues emerge.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

• Britons fork out £289m on personalised number plates as demand surges
• Drivers brace for disruption as temporary lights get installed on historic Dorset bridge
• Motorists to be slapped with tougher driving licence restrictions and curfews under new proposals

Councillor Trevor Muten, cabinet member for transport and city infrastructure, said: "Western Road has a long history of anti-social parking, which is both dangerous and causes congestion.

"The Red Route will give us better powers to keep the road clear, safe and flowing in one of the busiest shopping areas of Brighton & Hove and make it a more pleasant area for residents and the local community."

He stated that the council has listened "very carefully to local businesses, which is why we'll be installing 10 loading bays along the route to ensure they can receive deliveries easily without blocking the road for others."

Red routes are already used in many parts of the country to improve traffic flow and reduce air pollution. Officials claim the restrictions also improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, bus passengers and drivers by preventing dangerous parking and blocked roads.

Under the rules, Blue Badge holders will still be able to be picked up and dropped off, while licensed taxis and private hire vehicles can stop briefly for passengers.

Emergency services and council refuse vehicles will also remain exempt from restrictions in certain circumstances. The council data on previous red route schemes in Brighton have already helped reduce injuries and improve conditions.

Figures released earlier this month showed there had been a 39 per cent fall in slight and serious injuries across Lewes Road, London Road and Preston Road during the first year after the schemes were introduced.

Brighton & Hove Buses also reported an 85.7 per cent reduction in passenger injury incidents in those areas, according to the council.

Monitoring sensors also recorded improved air quality, while footfall figures on London Road reportedly increased by more than 100,000 movements in the year after the red route was installed.

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter