Issue - items at meetings - Better Bus Areas

Report of the Executive Director Environment, Development & Housing (copy attached).

That the Transport Committee approves for consultation with members of the public and other stakeholders, the scheme proposals for Edward Street contained within and attached to this report.

76.1         The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Environment, Development & Housing that sought approval to undertake consultation with members of the public and other stakeholders on proposals for infrastructure improvements on Edward Street as part of the Better Bus Areas Programme.

76.2         Councillor Mitchell stated that she fully supported the consultation but was disappointed that the worst part of the road from Brighton College to Sussex Square was not covered. Councillor Mitchell asked if the £770,000 capital funding was sourced from the authority or the Local Transport Plan.

76.3         Councillor Robins asked if any problems with loading on the south side of Edward Street might arise.

76.4         Councillor Cox stated his support for infrastructure developments in the area and queried whether a duplication of bids may arise with funding applications for cycle lanes in both Marine Parade and Edward Street.

76.5         In response to the points raised, the Principal Transport Planner clarified that the £770,000 would be comprised of £520,000 from the DFT (available immediately) and £250,000 from the Local Transport Plan fund for 2012/13. There was a requirement arising from the successful DFE grant funding that it be met by an element of match funding. The Principal Transport Planner supplemented that the need for improvement work in the area between Brighton College and Sussex Square had been identified however, progress would be delayed awaiting the development of the proposed 3T’s project. The Principal Transport Planner added that loading on the south side of Edward Street may be an issue and would be discussed with stakeholders as part of the consultation process. Furthermore, the Principal Transport Planner stated that the development of cycle lanes on both Edward Street and Madeira Drive were deemed necessary to meet demand, as distinct locations and to promote safer cycling.

76.6         The Chair stated that he felt cycle lanes in both Madeira Drive and Edward Street were necessary as a very high number of journeys, to different locations were conducted on both roads.

76.7         Councillor West stated his support for the proposals as the latest part in improving road safety and sustainable travel that included Valley Gardens and Lewes Road. Councillor West added that his personal experience as a pedestrian on Edward Street was very bad and he felt the traffic was an impediment to the communities on either side of the road. Councillor West supplemented that improvements on the road would also assist transport links to the hospital, Amex Community Stadium and Brighton College all of which were key destinations in the area.

76.8         RESOLVED- That the Transport Committee approves for consultation with members of the public and other stakeholders, the scheme proposals for Edward Street contained within and attached to this report.