Traffic scheme aimed at tackling hazardous air quality in busy Brighton street

An experimental traffic scheme is being introduced to try to cut pollution in Rottingdean.

The trial, to be carried out for 18 months and monitored for the first year in the centre of the village, is designed to prevent further congestion.

Brighton and Hove City Council’s Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee heard how High Street, south of Park Street, where buildings are close to the kerb have nitrous oxide levels that are hazardous to human health.

Measures include a temporary chicane outside 80-82 High Street giving priority to northbound traffic including lining and signing, a no stopping (yellow hatched) box on the southbound lane and a ban on right turns out of West Street.

The committee, which met at Hove Town Hall this afternoon (Tuesday 22 January), was told that it was hoped that the trial would start in March.

Councillor Pete West asked about a “let through” for cyclists in the chicane and was told that this would happen.

Rottingdean Coastal Conservative councillor Joe Miller said: “What is proposed is quite small but it is quite key for the east of the city.

“When Steyning Road was shut the other week it had an impact as far as the A27.

“It will hopefully improve the air quality and have an impact on poor air quality in the High Street.”

Councillor Miller asked that ward councillors be notified if there were any complaints.

Councillor Gill Mitchell, who chairs the Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee, said that ward councillors would be told about any issues.

After the meeting Councillor Mitchell said: “It is vitally important that we address the air quality in Rottingdean.

“The main source of emissions in the area comes from road transport and the measures we are proposing in this trial seek to reduce emissions by preventing idling and encouraging free-flowing traffic.

“We have been working closely with residents, businesses and stakeholders to develop these proposals and we welcome feedback from anyone who lives or works in Rottingdean once the trial begins.”