Resident Richard Eason has been working on a proposal for road safety improvements in the Square and Terrace as a document for discussion.

"The present road and pavement layout, designed in the early 1800s, has got to a point where it is unacceptably unsafe to the pedestrians that use the area. A too high priority is given to vehicle traffic and parking, and little or no emphasis given to road safety for pedestrians (particularly the disabled, elderly and children) and the environment.

As an example to highlight this point; it is believed that the gardens is the only park in Hove to have exit gates immediately onto the road and predominately between parked cars!

Aim

Our aim is to come up with some ideas for a road safety plan for Brunswick Square & Terrace which can be submitted to the Council for consultation. Of course, any changes should be in keeping with the area’s Grade I status.

Roads

Possibly the most beneficial and easiest change concerning vehicle access could be to turn the area into a 20mph, residents only area. Additional signage could also indicate that children are playing or that traffic is entering a conservation area.

In addition, pedestrian build-outs can be used as Throttles and Speed Tables built at all the junctions that give access to the area.

Access to the mobile library, emergency services, builders and removal vehicles of course would still be required. But a system that would physically prevent large coaches’ access would be beneficial, especially in the future when the 360i is built.

Paths & Pavements

Initially, the main area of improvement could be the construction of build-outs which allow pedestrians greater and safer access to and from the gardens and their residences.

Environment

To encourage more use of bicycles and car-sharing, bicycle racks could be placed adjacent to park entrances and dedicated bays could be created for car clubs.

Road & Path Surfaces

Re-surfacing the roads with gravel (stuck to the surface), as has been done in the petanque area adjacent the Hove Lawns, would not only look very good but can be used to impact the speed of road users. This measure would also be in keeping with the area’s Grade I listing status.

Next step

Our next step is to come up with some ideas and proposals so that we can approach the Council to make road safety improvements for the area. If you have views, ideas or opinions on how together we can improve things, then please contact me.

The importance of Brunswick Square & Terrace to Brighton & Hove residents and the Council should not be forgotten, and we can see from what has been done in the Palmeira Square/Adelaide Crescent area that great improvements can be achieved."