10.1 MAPPS behaviour change framework
To understand the dimensions underlying behaviour, Ipsos MORI use MAPPS; a behaviour change framework based on rigorous academic research (Behaviour Change Wheel/COM-B) and an evidence base of sustained behaviour change.
There are 5 dimensions to the MAPPS framework:
- Motivation - do I want to do it?
- Ability - am I able to do it?
- Processing - how we think about it
- Physical - does the context encourage it?
- Social - what other people do and value
Sitting under each of the dimensions are further ways to diagnose behaviour:
Table 1.2

Explanation of table 1.2
Diagnosis and objective
- Dimension: motivation
- Category: outcome expectations
- Objective: providing estimation/predictions about outcomes
Intervention strategy
- Understanding - building knowledge, help people see relevance and importance
- Feedback - providing positive or negative guidance, direction or outcome discrepancies
Diagnosis and objective
- Dimension: motivation
- Category: emotion
- Objective: shaping feelings/emotions and guiding emotion regulation
Intervention strategy
- Feedback - providing positive or negative guidance, direction or outcome discrepancies
Diagnosis and objective
- Dimension: motivation
- Category: internalisation
- Objective: shifting from extrinsic to intrinsic influence
Intervention strategy
- Understanding - building knowledge, help people see relevance and importance
- Feedback - providing positive or negative guidance, direction or outcome discrepancies
- Connect - allowing connections to be formed or making these available as informational sources
Diagnosis and objective
- Dimension: motivation
- Category: identity
- Objective: building personal and social identities
Intervention strategy
- Understanding - building knowledge, help people see relevance and importance
- Connect - allowing connections to be formed or making these available as informational sources
Diagnosis and objective
- Dimension: motivation
- Category: self-efficacy
- Objective: facilitating feelings of self-efficacy and mastery for change and persistence
Intervention strategy
- Understanding - building knowledge, help people see relevance and importance
- Feedback - providing positive or negative guidance, direction or outcome discrepancies
- Connect - allowing connections to be formed or making these available as informational sources
Diagnosis and objective
- Dimension: ability
- Category: capability
- Objective: guiding how things are learnt
Intervention strategy
- Understanding - building knowledge, help people see relevance and importance
- Feedback - providing positive or negative guidance, direction or outcome discrepancies
Diagnosis and objective
- Dimension: ability
- Category: routines
- Objective: supporting the development of habits and embedding routines
Intervention strategy
- Feedback - providing positive or negative guidance, direction or outcome discrepancies
- Planning - developing and maintaining intentions or skills needed to perform a behaviour
Diagnosis and objective
- Dimension: processing
- Category: decision forces
- Objective: changing or tapping into how things are processed and guiding behavioural regulation
Intervention strategy
- Feedback - providing positive or negative guidance, direction or outcome discrepancies
- Planning - developing and maintaining intentions or skills needed to perform a behaviour
Diagnosis and objective
- Dimension: physical
- Category: environmental factors
- Objective: shaping the physical environment, context and resources
Intervention strategy
- Restructure - changing environment to enhance or remove influences
Diagnosis and objective
- Dimension: social
- Category: social
- Objective: making salient group, transient or situational norms
Intervention strategy
- Understanding - building knowledge, help people see relevance and importance
- Connect - allowing connections to be formed or making these available as informational sources
Diagnosis and objective
- Dimension: social
- Category: culture
- Objective: referencing social norms
Intervention strategy
- Connect - allowing connections to be formed or making these available as informational sources
Once we have diagnosed the barriers to behaviour change, researchers use an extensive body of research on interventions tailored to each of the categories to inform recommendations which can then be designed, tested and implemented.
These interventions fall broadly into the following building blocks:
- Understanding - building knowledge, help people see relevance and importance
- Feedback - providing positive or negative guidance, direction, or outcome expectancies
- Planning - developing and maintaining intentions or skills needed to perform a behaviour
- Restructure - changing environment to enhance or remove influences
- Connect - allowing connections to be formed or making these available as informational sources
10.2 Letters from my future self
In the final session, assembly members wrote letters as their future selves about the transport system in Brighton and Hove in 2030. These, anonymised, letters are provided below as written by the assembly.
Letter 1
As I walk on the sea front towards the centre, I can’t help but emphasise how grateful I am to live in such a beautiful city! I look around and I feel I’m in a painting, the streets leading to the centre are full of flowers and plants.
Once in the city centre the air is still fresh and I can smell the flowers. The city is buzzing but there are no cars...it’s all pedestrian streets!
I can see many parents walking with their children towards the cafes and the shops. A few tourists around taking pictures and enjoying our city.
The tram has definitely made a big difference to our city especially for the elderly and tourists!
I love Brighton and Hove!
Letter 2
The last 10 years have seen a lot of changes, which is a very positive thing. I am driving a fully electric vehicle to work as opposed to the old Diesel you are driving now and it is charged by 100% sustainably sourced electricity.
I work a lot closer to home for work-life balance reasons mainly, but also as I’ve become more aware of the impact travelling long distances has on the environment still.
I go into Brighton city centre a lot more than you do because it is a more pleasant place to be now it is pedestrianised, it’s also a nicer cycle in since the improvements to the network of cycle paths.
Letter 3
Wow its great how there’s loads of pedestrian areas.
Still got pesky cyclists whizzing around but everyone is accustomed to it.
I am surprised how many people use the park and ride.
Letter 4
It’s 2030, life today has changed to the better. The air is clearer and so is the pollution. No more unnecessary traffic, and more people on the streets confidently. It’s definitely took a lot of commitment from the people to make this change and now I thank that.
I’m glad Brighton has invested in trams, although it was expensive and took some time to build. With no doubt it was the best and more sufficient investment. Tickets now compared to 2020 are so much cheaper, 70% cheaper.
Everything now is not only eco-friendly but people-friendly, we are all trying to help our environment and make life easier and positive for us. These changes had made me more at ease I feel more secure and safe in my environment.
This is because my city Brighton and I are aiming to always achieve the same goals and have the same mindset when it comes to transportations.
Letter 5
Dear Me!
My main mode of transport is now cycling . There is an excellent web of segregated cycle lanes across Brighton & Hove. My daughter and I cycle to her school, and she has provision to leave her bike there. I walk or cycle to the station when I need to commute to London for work.
We don't own a car, but we are members of a car club, with a fleet of electric cars. We use the car for visiting relatives/friends outside Brighton and other trips away, but not much within town.
Where cycling is not possible, we use buses to get around town. The buses are very frequent, cheap and reliable. We use an Oyster-type pay as you go system. There isn't much traffic on the roads, so the buses can move quickly and journeys don't take long.
All the changes are very positive, and the city is cleaner, healthier and much more pleasant!
From Me!
Letter 6
Dear Me,
I'm writing this letter to you as you're taking part in the Brighton & Hove climate change assembly and I bet you're wondering what changes have been made over the last 10 years!
So, you've started a wonderful, well-paid and fulfilling career working close to home - and as you commute into work on a daily basis (not far - just to Hove) your day starts off at the bus stop, which is within a 5-minute walk from home. There's a bus every 10 minutes or so (there used to be one every 7 minutes but as I'm sure you'll know, that ended up with a lot of congestion and travel time was actually longer - as well as being hard to predict when the bus would come). Now, although the time between buses is longer, you know exactly what time it'll be there and also exactly how long it's likely to take (with a 10 minute margin) so it's a lot more reliable getting in to work and you don't have to worry about things like super long journey times just because it's raining outside and people can't be bothered to walk.
You've also been taking the old lady you volunteer out in the wheelchair more often, although she's now almost 100 (!!). It's so much easier wheeling her around on the pavements because they've been smoothed out and now have easy access on and off the pavement at multiple points. She's also now able to access the city centre proper, and no longer has to limit herself to Hove, because of the pedestrianisation of the city centre. Equally, you're able to go out with [anonymised] more often now that there isn't such an issue with step access on and off the pavement and also into shops, pubs and restaurants. Everything has been thought through to enable smooth access to the same things as able-bodied people have access to.
You still live on [street name] and the traffic outside has improved immensely, you no longer get kept up at night by the noise of cars (aside from the reduction in traffic, lots of people have also moved to electric cars which are a lot quieter) and the buses are no longer so noisy now they're hydrogen powered.
The high street culture in Brighton is flourishing because it is so much more accessible, and people actually enjoy coming into town for a pootle and a bit of window shopping (don't worry- COVID will be on its way out soon so you won't be stuck at home for much longer!)
The trains have also massively improved, so if you ever need to commute into London these are now high speed, and the days of train cancellations and delays are a thing of the past. You can also always get a seat which is a bonus, because I hate to tell you that your [health condition] is just going to get worse over the next 10 years.
Overall, Brighton has become a national leader in the Green movement, and it couldn't have come a moment too soon. Everywhere else is struggling to keep up with the changes Brighton has made and we're now being consulted by many other cities on the progress we've made so far. It's a buzzing, green, clean community with great new infrastructure and street architecture and is a place where everyone has the same access and air pollution is no longer causing the same problems it did in 2020.
A pat on the back to you past-names, this assembly was instrumental in moving the agenda of climate change/air pollution to the fore and all of the changes made have been positive to everyone in the community.
Letter 7
Wow, what a lot has changed in the past 10 years, in both the way the city looks and functions, and in the way you live your life day-to-day.
It's incredible to think that in 2020 it was possible to drive into the centre of Brighton. That the shared spaces that are now used as market squares and community spaces were once filled with cars. Of course, back then, it was more convenient to drive into town - the cycle route we use now didn't exist, instead you were competing with cars and buses on the road (hardly a safe journey for anyone, let alone a family with young kids on the backs of bikes). In 2030 we let our children, now teenagers, cycle into town on their own, which we definitely would not have done back then. When the weather doesn't work for cycling, we don't think twice about getting the bus - another big change from the past when we would have got straight in the car.
It's also amazing to reflect on the changes in our local community of Westdene. While we sometimes walked child’s name to school in 2020, we would also drive quite often. This was the case for lots of parents and the streets around the school in the mornings and afternoons were a nightmare - rammed full of cars, not enough parking and a real safety issue for the kids. Now parents wouldn't dream of driving and the community is so much better for it. In addition, the local community has thrived now that there is less traffic around the shops on Eldred avenue. The cafes spill out onto the pavement and there are new independent businesses in addition to the few that were there 10 years ago.
The changes have been incredible, and we hope that they continue.
Letter 8
I walk out of my flat on street name in central Brighton to the lovely pedestrianised zone. its lovely to see the people, the cafe culture and the new planting of trees and flowers. I pop up to Edward Street on foot and get a bike to go to the station, really happy that my ticket includes bike ride, train ticket to London and entry to the Tate Modern. I am also able to recycle my old radio at the mobility hub which is really handy. A good day.
Letter 9
Can’t believe how much process Brighton has made to help our city achieve my every ambition we have become among the cleanest cities in Europe thanks to 15,000 people contribute to our future outlook.
I don’t need to travel to much, except on our great bus service and rail network.
Back in 2013 our city looked dirty, also full of pollution, we now have ambitions for my 16 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren to have our planet liveable again.
People are now engaged with one another more readily because they are proud, we have achieved through unity and self-confidence,
Bravo to us all
Welcome to the new era
Letter 10
I love the changes that have been made to transport system in Brighton & Hove.
My local neighbourhood is car free now and there are trees, benches and communal gardens. Lots of small independent shops have opened up so I don't need to drive to the large supermarkets. There is a sense of community now, and it feels safer and the air is cleaner.
When I go into Brighton (by bus) there are hardly any cars because tourists use the park and ride scheme and the mobility hubs. The air feels cleaner and it is a more pleasant experience.
The centre of Brighton is completely car-free so the buses are quicker and more frequent, and have become more affordable and accessible.
Letter 11
How are you doing? Still handsome as ever eh?
I got up this morning and looked out my window at Brighton. Wow, you wouldn’t believe the difference a decade can make!
Even though sea levels of continued to rise, the sea front looks about the same as it has done. Thanks to the measures we put in place after 2020, we have managed to slow the rate at which the ice caps are melting and have also somehow managed to stave off a big melting event in Antarctica.
Life goes on much as it has, except now we’re living in the future! Why just this week I had to go to a meeting in London. Rather than driving to the station, I walked down to the mobility hub about a quarter mile from my house. There I got an electric bike and took it to the rail station, where I was able to get my train just on time. Coming back, I had had a few jars so I decided it wasn’t smart to cycle back home. I got one of the new electric buses and was home just before 7pm.
My parents are coming to visit next week, they’re older and tend to still drive everywhere. I told them about the traffic measures to prevent people driving into town, so they’re going to leave their car at the Caroline Lucas Memorial Park n’ Ride just north of town. It’s really cool, they managed to dig down into the earth and built one of those really fancy self-raising parking structures. You leave your car there in long term parking and then take an electric shuttle bus into town.
Well, anyway, just remember that it’s important you did all this stuff back in 2020. Thankfully we’re not like Southampton who sank!
Kind regards,
You (from the future!)
Letter 12
I’m 38 – hopefully I’ve never had to go back to commuting +16,000 miles per year by car (following the effects of WFH during Covid). Remote working has really helped reduce unnecessary car journeys and I’m working full-time from home. As a result, we will have gone from two cars to one economical vehicle which is necessary for us to have with a partner who commutes outside of Brighton during unsocial hours and is considered a 'key worker'.
Getting in and around the city will be easy – either through walking or catching the bus. If I do have to go into the office, I’ll be able to easily catch a bus to Preston Park train station and travel along the coast in-line with regular train services.
Family who live outside of the city will be able to visit us easily – either through using the park and ride or through arriving at the train station and being able to easily get on a bus and travel to the outskirts (using the mobility hub system).
During weekends/leisure time, we’ll be able to travel easily East-West of Brighton to visit friends without needing to jump in the car. I’m happy that the city has become more accessible and that there are easy, regular and accessible ways for me to use public transport for leisure travel.
Letter 13
Well 10 years have passed since they have made Brighton & Hove a 'car free city’. A lot of good has come out of this we have been able to lower the cities emission the air is fresher and less polluted but for you, as a disabled person, things have not been so great, all the talk about not forgetting about those who may rely on cars due to disabilities have been pushed aside and forgotten.
The buses are not as accessible as they could be and they still continue to hike prices even though they have easier access routes. I am penalised because I am disabled, the parking for disabled people is non-existent or they have put our bays in areas that are unsuitable to us.
My carers struggle to take me even to the doctors and hospital appointment that I have. I am at time verbally abused for using a car and told I am faking my conditions just to be lazy.
If I take the bus, I struggle to get on easily as well as being made to fold the walker. I am sometimes waiting a long time to get on the buses as they cannot grant me access.
Cyclist have priority with no care to others. The number of times I’ve been bashed by cyclists who have paid no attention to road traffic signs has increased.
I have become isolated for living in close proximity to the town I shop more online then go to town because it is easier and safer for me. If I do arrange to go to shops, I go outside of Brighton. Because the UK had been short sighted for so long on where they invested money and made improvements, they are over the last 50 to 60 years they are thought they could make these bold radical changes quick and fast.
The residents of Brighton were listened to but not heard. Life has become harder for disabled and those who do not look to be matching what the council envision.
Letter 14
So just dropping you a line to update you on how things are going with in Brighton in regard to that climate assembly thing you're taking part in. It's going great!
The entire city centre stretching down to the seafront into Kemptown and across some way towards hove is 'car free' now. Of course, that doesn't mean there's no cars at all but there's a heck of a lot less! Those with exceptions such as blue badges or delivery drivers/business owners etc. Can still get about as needed but other than that, the 'roads' are clear of motor vehicles. If you can call them roads! It's mostly pedestrianised, multi-use areas with plenty of green space with great cycle access and really well implemented public transport.
Talking of public transport, it’s now is now totally free and under public ownership! It's clean, convenient and accessible to all. Indeed, all public transport across the county is the same, the Greens still run the council here… and indeed now run the country! We’ve also re-joined the EU! Covid got a vaccine! Animal agriculture was ended! Everyone is vegan now! Climate change reversed! Back lives matter! It’s all fixed! Yay us!
Of course, this is [name] 2030 from the super optimistic alternate future... I very much hope you're coming here and not the more dystopian cynical place that regularly occupied my mind 10 years ago!
Well, good luck for both our sakes. See you in the future.
Letter 15
Dear me,
Retirement has brought many changes. The fact that I no longer have to travel to work every day has made the transport changes less of a day-to-day concern, but the encouragement of an integrated public transport network has allowed me to give up the car, which is a huge relief.
The fact that electric cars are available, as and when needed, has been a huge benefit, but faster, cheaper and more comfortable public transport (and the fact that I no longer have to work, or to ferry children about) has made that less important.
The cycling network has perhaps made the biggest difference - being able to get safely (thanks to the dedicated routes), and quickly (ditto), and without too much discomfort (thanks to the e-bike) has made me both healthier and happier than I might have expected at this stage of my life.
A fifteen minute trip into the pedestrianised area around Duke Street - The Lanes - Old Steine has been an unexpected but welcome pleasure.
Letter 16
Wow, those ten years passed quicker than ever! Brighton is still the best place to live in the UK. Remember back then when winters were spent indoors because it was just too freezing to cycle everywhere like usual? It used to be all too easy to just jump in the car when I didn’t want to get wet for a quick trip to climb at Portslade or to go to the shops. Now I know it will be much more inconvenient and, for the first time ever, actually much more expensive than using public transport. How perverse that we used to have things the opposite way around!
Thank god the buses now come close enough to home to get out and about. And I’m so very glad the council grew a backbone and nationalised local buses so that the profits could be funnelled into improving transport in the city rather than into the pockets of global conglomerate shareholders. It was crazy we allowed that to happen for so long and that we didn’t use all the methods we had available prior to nationalisation (licensing, tolls for bus lanes, etc.) And how much cheaper it is to run the buses now that the streets aren’t congested with private vehicles. Now it’s easier to get into town cheaply and with the cars off the road - it’s the first time buses that are actually quicker than cycling.
Summers are better than ever. I still cycle literally everywhere and every single day but it’s so much more relaxing and quicker. Now we’re a big group of people having barbecues on the beach and swimming together. It used to be such a nightmare persuading others to cycle around town with all the cars and the poor infrastructure. How much healthier we all feel! And it was amazing to see just how quickly robust enforcement action and high fines put an end to all the cars dangerously parking in cycle lanes.
How naive we were to think that park and rides could be the future. I still visit London 2-3 times a month like you used to but it’s always by trains now. It’s much better to be able to kick back and not worry about drinking or parking.
It’s also great that the city is less reliant on a single form of income from day-trippers. With 11 million visitors a year and rising, we were at risk of forgetting that there are two sides to emissions arithmetic — we can reduce the emissions per km or we can reduce the distance travelled! 20% of Londoners coming by car is madness and the sheer number of other unnecessary car journeys ended up causing as much harm as dozens of intra-city journeys! How blind we were to not see that one of the most effective measures was to discourage visitors from arrive by car even if they don’t bring their vehicles into the city centres.
And thank goodness the council didn’t waste loads of money investing in electric vehicles. What a waste of time that turned out to be. Marginal and incremental gains were not worth the inefficient use of public funds especially when we were right that driving fundamental behaviour changes and moving away from private vehicles altogether was massively more effective than ploughing energy into producing high-energy-cost vehicles that were obsolete five years later. And how much more equitable this way was rather than rewarding those who could afford to regularly buy expensive modern cars.
I’m glad the council thoroughly consulted the evidence base to channel efforts and funding into the most effective means of actually reducing emissions for future generations. The quantitative effect of a few bold moves was well worth the initial pushback. And look how quickly we all adapted. All those stubborn car owners now love that they can get around in the city centre without being stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic and barely anyone remembers why they were so wedded to their vehicles. And my friends with special requirements who still need cars are glad there’s more space on the roads and that the subsidised car clubs were a great way to provide them access without reliance on privately-owned vehicles!
Here’s to another ten years!
Letter 17
It all looks pretty bleak at the moment where you are but here’s a note of optimism and hope from the future.
We fixed it! People woke up and started changing their day to day habits, became much less selfish and realised at long last that there is only a finite resource on this beautiful planet. They also stopped chasing the red herring of living on Mars, you’ll be pleased to hear.
After private car ownership was banned and there was a full switch to active travel neighbourhoods, the birds started singing again and there are far more sounds of peoples chat and kids playing than the noise of cars and home deliveries. I can walk everywhere I need to go on a day to day basis, there are a lot more small specialist shops to buy goods and services from and many are cooperatively owned. Supermarkets and out of town shopping are long gone.
I really enjoy working in the community garden up the road and can easily get there on my bike now the cycle route is so safe and fast and I don’t need to worry about being run over or someone opening their car door into the bike lane as cars and bikes are completely separate.
The trains are amazing and so cheap! Whenever I need to go and visit friends or go on holiday there is never even a choice around how to get there, train travel is the fastest, cheapest and most enjoyable method hands down. It’s still lovely not to see the trails of aircraft overhead. No one misses planes, it’s still amazing to me that they were used for so long, what a waste!
The air is much fresher now and the future has been reclaimed for future generations, it feels like we are getting there one bold step at a time.
Letter 18
I am pleased to see the effects of the consultation on the community of the Brighton Climate Assembly. Some of the recommendations have had a positive impact on Brighton and Hove.
It has created local community hubs which were not there before.
The fact that car use in the city is now reducing and we have found alternate means to run our lives is testament to the adaptability of the people of this community.
If you let business drive priorities you end up with a polluted environment if you let people run it for their benefit you end up with a very different outcome.
I no longer need to drive to the centre of town and can use public transport cheaply.
Localised car charging facilities helped Woodingdean adapt to the change in the law regarding electric vehicles.
I am free to walk and cycle in shared spaces without fear of car drivers, this gives me a real pride in the community.
We are now a model for other towns and cities in the UK having taken bold action.
Letter 19
I hope you’re still managing to get around at 81!
Brighton city centre is a riot of colour, trees and shrubs which means I’ve been able to volunteer my allotment skills and help to keep the green spaces looking good.
The council have been very good at engaging with the community in a positive and encouraging way and have managed not to ‘demonise’ people who need to use their cars and vans for work, or as a result of a disability. Good and effective communication was the key to carrying the vast majority of the city with them.
My grandchildren are less worried generally about climate change than they were 10 years ago because they can see that Brighton & Hove are doing something positive to make a real difference. And the two who have asthma are feeling the benefits of fewer emissions too.
I’ve been able to continue to use my Blue Badge and get to all the places I need to. If someone can invent a three-wheeled disabled electric bike you may even see me on the cycle track! Ha ha
Take care of yourself.
Letter 20
Dear 2020 Self,
To think where we were in 2020 and where we are now… the city feels like it is breathing again, the air cleaner and the space safer for the community, particularly children. The car free city centre with its trees and plants and clean environment has been rejuvenated with more pedestrianised spaces, although the buses on North Road still sit in queues.
Car parks in the city centre are long-gone, turned into community education, sport, creativity and work spaces. Tourists and out of town visitors leave their cars at the periphery of the city and come in increased numbers to visit our clean, vibrant city and seafront.
The car free neighbourhoods have also reduced pollution, made the air feel cleaner and helped the community to take more ownership of the space.
It took a few years, but the cycle network now really works, connecting up with national cycle networks, the South Downs and commuter routes into the city. It’s how we get around now and the segregated cycle network throughout the city feels safe and has encouraged most people to cycle.
The e-bike subsidy has helped many citizens to buy their own e-bikes so that older people and those living further away can also cycle safely. Young people have been central to this journey and their commitment has been so important in persuading the community and people have seen the benefits, so even The Argus has something positive to say about our green city.
I still work from home, so commuting has become a rarity. We use the car club of electric vehicles if we ever need a car, so no parking problems anymore and the train takes a lot more bikes now so we can travel further afield.
Take care, stay safe and well,
Me, but 10 years older…….
Letter 21
It's been great being able to walk to work through shared streets without the sound of traffic or road rage. The cyclists are so much more relaxed and using their designated space as they feel safer. The need for rushing everywhere seems to have disappeared with the traffic delays and congestion. I don't feel as though I have to listen out for the cyclists, skateboards, scooters etc encroaching on the pedestrianised space.
The bus congestion along Western Road and North Street has reduced due to the better route planning and hubs and the one-way systems around the centre and sea front with dedicated bus lanes. As car access is restricted, they are no longer blocking the flow of public transport/cycle lanes etc.
The increase in e-bikes with cargo carriers has meant I am now able to shop for heavier items, for example DIY/garden centres rather than use the car club as I used to do.
I can also access the Downs on a more regular basis for exercise using an e bike rather than using the car club and being stuck in the traffic trying to get to the A27. The dedicated cycle routes are so much safer to cycle on and have given me confidence to use bikes in more areas.
And so great to no longer hear the "parking rage" around me. Just the sounds of people walking and talking to each other.
Life feels healthier - less stressful, less polluted, less rushed - and I'm looking forward to the extra years I may gain living in a cleaner city.
Letter 22
I am writing from a vastly improved, cleaner future! Your children, now much older are able to safely walk themselves to school as they are now the priority. I look back to the smelly, congested roads where cars, vans and trucks took priority and don't miss it at all! The worry of crossing roads with small children and what their little lungs were breathing in is a thing of the past in Brighton & Hove.
Buses run just as effectively as they always did, however now, it is cheaper to use them than pile everyone into the car. Not to mention how much quieter they are and less smelly. They take you from one end of the city to the other quickly and efficiently where it is then easy to walk around.
The sense of community in the city centre, which I always found strong as a resident has improved and spread to less densely populated areas. People spend more time together, whether it's on the buses, in pedestrianised areas.
Letter 23
I am glad Brighton has achieved carbon neutrality. CO2 emissions from transport around one third of total emissions and are now zero missions did we reduce transport related carbon emissions in the city? Ten years, the vast majority of emissions was from private.
Therefore, to reduce emissions from cars we needed to:
- promote electrification
- reduce the weight of vehicle relative to occupants (less overall energy used) -reduce the total VMT (vehicle miles travelled) -promote mode transfer from private cars to more efficient modes
We did this by:
- Promote transit – not limited to traditional mass transit Do this by reducing the number of ICE (Internal combustion engine) cars Reduce VMT Promoting ride-sharing Promote active transportation – especially cycling and walking I noted the following https://phys.org/news/2018-11-ways-cities-emissions.html
- We achieved this improvement by achieving four broad categories: avoid, shift, share, and improve.
- We avoided strategies that aimed to slow the growth of travel. They include initiatives to reduce trip lengths, such as high-density and mixed land use developments. Other options decrease private vehicle travel – for example, through car/ride sharing and congestion pricing. And teleworking and e-commerce help people avoid private car trips altogether.
We shifted strategies to encouraging travellers to switch from private vehicles to public transport, walking and cycling. This includes improving bus routes and service frequency. We effected pricing strategies that discouraged private vehicles and encouraged other modes of transport that were also effective. Policies that include incentives that make electric vehicles more affordable have been shown to encourage the shift.
Share strategies affect car ownership. New sharing economy businesses are already moving people, goods and services. Shared mobility, rather than car ownership, is providing city dwellers with a real alternative.
This trend is likely to continue and will pose significant challenges to car ownership models.
Improve strategies promote the use of technologies to optimise performance of transport modes and intelligent infrastructure. These include intelligent transport systems, urban information technologies and emerging solutions such as autonomous mobility.
Our research shows that sharing 80% of autonomous vehicles will reduce net emissions by up to 20%. The benefits increase with wider adoption of autonomous shared electric vehicles.
https://theconversation.com/cities-need-to-innovate-to-improve-transportation-and-reduce-emissions-125778
Sixty-four percent of all vehicle kilometres travelled on a global basis are in cities, and this is anticipated to grow exponentially.
Similar: Travel statistics worth noting on where the problems lie: https://twitter.com/jonburkeUK/status/1314517112061399043?s=20
Two thirds of trips are under 5km:
With most journeys being less than 5km, then either a bicycle, or an e-bike is has been shown quicker, produces no GHGs/emissions and takes up much less road space. The more segregated lanes that are provided, the more people younger than me will cycle.
Cargo bikes, and e-cargo bikes are set to revolutionize this sector. If even more speed limits are reduced to 20mph then it actually becomes much more cost efficient to use ultra-lightweight mobility devices like e-bikes than any other form of vehicle. For many personal and business uses an e-bike could become the standard first choice.
If e-bikes have been incentivised and/or subsidised accelerating their uptake.
bikes/e-bikes are already are the optimal solution. Cargo-bikes allow cargo and passengers to be carried, thus replacing vans and taxis etc.
https://electrek.co/2020/09/27/these-electric-cargo-bikes-are-already-replacing-trucks-in-cities/
https://citymonitor.ai/transport/when-rethinking-the-streets-dont-forget-the-power-of-cargo-bikes
https://www.uci.org/news/2020/the-limitless-potential-of-cargo-bikes-around-
We now have provided free autonomous vehicle transport from park and ride and rail stations to seafront and along the length of the front, See attached note on how we achieved this.
The world’s first commercial autonomous vehicle service is being operated by Waymo (part of Alphabet Group – along with Google) since 8th Oct, 2020 – complete driverless operation with no Waymo staff in the vehicles: https://blog.waymo.com/2020/10/waymo-is-opening-its-fully-driverless.html
Once automated driving systems are more widely available for other vehicle platforms (only a matter of time now) then new modes of mobility are facilitated. The most exciting of which is probably this: https://www.next-future-mobility.com
Next Future Transportation is developing pods that can travel around residential areas collecting passengers from their doors, and then different pods can physically combine together like a road train (similar passenger density to as bus) as they travel along main roads.
Whilst on the main road the passengers can move to the correct pod for drop off – then when the road train nears the main CBD, town centre, business park etc. the pods can split apart to efficiently drop passengers off close to their destination.
This is like a hybrid of a privately-owned motor car and a bus. It can provide an on-demand and door-to-door service. Yet being ride-sharing it reduces VMT and provides similar convenience to a car – note there is no need to worry about parking.
Note – AVs in cities are almost certain to be battery electric – again reducing emissions on the roads and in the city.
In the future, once AVs are established, then human driven cars can be banned – at that point road furniture (signs for drivers etc.) can be removed, lanes narrowed and more dedicated space for cyclists can be provided – as AVs can be instructed to change behaviour depending on what is required at that time. E.g. if priority is to be given to pedestrians and cyclists then all AVs in a zone can be wirelessly instructed to never exceed 10mph and always give way to vulnerable road users. Or AVs can be instructed to avoid a zone for a street party etc. etc.
If cyclists know that they are much safer around AVs than human drivers, then this will help promote the uptake of cycling – and e-biking.
Letter 24
Dear me!
I have always had such high hopes for change in Brighton and Hove, being naturally optimistic, but long experience has made me accept that change is unpredictable, hesitant and slow. Other towns and cities seem to move faster. Maybe that is a faulty impression, maybe it is a function of the times we live in, or maybe it’s the result of seeing the decades-long delays in major planning schemes in the city. The council was becoming a little bolder back then than it had been and I’m glad that has continued - boldness begets boldness - but it’s a painfully slow process.
What you had hoped I would tell you is that the expansion of housing in the city has not been matched by an increase in car ownership, that the number of car-free households has doubled, that emission-free buses are used by everyone, that work has begun on a tram network. Sorry.
You might have guessed that at my advanced age I was never going to become a cyclist and was not going to walk much more than I did back in 2020. Some things have improved.
Changes to some bus routes - by not running them from all one extremity of the city to another - have made buses slightly more reliable and finding the money to extend bus passes for more citizens, not just us oldies, in quieter times of the day has kept the buses fuller. But without having top priority, buses still have to contend with congestion.
The really significant achievement has been in the middle of Brighton and the city centre, especially around the Clock Tower, used to be one of the most polluted places in the country. Keeping cars out of the centre has reduced this but the change to loss- or no-emission buses has had the greater impact. This improvement has mostly been the result of the council’s going back to and implementing Gehl Architects’ legibility study Public Space, Public Life. That was an example of boldness.
Not much seems to have changed in the next ring of neighbourhoods around the centre. Areas like Hanover still have narrow streets with nose-to-tail parking on both sides of the street. Will we ever get away from cars as symbols of mobility and freedom? The outer suburbs were designed to depend on cars and were never going to be amenable to change.
Back in 2020 I had hoped, as I had for the previous 25 years, that finally the nettle of annexing and funding sites for a comprehensive park and ride scheme would be grasped. The half-hearted scheme using the 27 bus at Withdean never worked as well as the previous dedicated scheme. Waterhall, Falmer, Sheepcoat Valley, Toads Hole Valley and Benfield Valley were such obvious potential sites. Acquiring the land proved to be too bold a move, even though the benefits were obvious.
As for trams, which I have advocated for even longer, it remains my biggest disappointment. A tramway network where no one is more than a 10-15 minute walk from a stop would have cost a lot initially but would paid off over time. It would have removed most cars from the roads, been more efficient, more reliable, cheaper, cleaner and an attractive addition to the city’s visitor appeal. The cost benefit over years would have been considerable, as you had seen during your visits to Strasbourg. However, it was something financially dependent on central government, which chose to make journey times on one route (HS2) a little faster rather than fund up to 200 city-wide tram networks around the country for the same money. Spreading benefits around the whole of society long since ceased to be a core principle of government and local authorities have had to struggle within that constraint. But you know all that. And you know my eternal optimism is tempered by the cynicism of experience.
Love from
Your old man
PS: But how wonderful that the Hippodrome has re-opened as a large-scale theatre and become a major asset to the city’s cultural activity and visitor economy.
Letter 25
Back then you were so wedded to having a car at your disposal to take you anywhere on a whim! How you would love the transformed local area now! Clean air and streets free of cars. Now we summon or book an electric driverless vehicle when we need to go somewhere out of the city but for getting around in town walking, cycling or driverless buses are so much quicker and easier. It feels great to be so much more connected to our communities too; children playing in the street, quieter and safer streets; we can even hear the birds singing once again.
My shopping comes directly to the house at a pre-arranged time in the evening by refrigerated van so no need to spend hours shopping in person. Altogether we have a much better quality of life and wouldn't want to return to the chaos and transport of 2020.
Letter 26
Hi me in 2020,
I’ve been reflecting on the changes that have been made over the past 10 years to the transport system in Brighton and whilst there have been many schemes tried it was not until an integrated scheme was implemented did we see the real benefit, this has resulted in a cleaner more efficient and affordable transport system which has largely removed the need for any form of car usage within the city, although the Zero Carbon emissions target has still to be achieved.
The changes were slow in starting, primarily due to the lack of funds in 2021 after the coronavirus epidemic in 2020, and so we only saw the normal approach of higher parking charges, pop-up cycle ways and closing of the more congested roads which simply displaced the cars and did very little to the overall reduction of cars, but did cause outrage from the residents. Even the park & ride scheme introduced to ease the congestion was not popular as it simply moved the emissions out of the city to a new location, which had previously been part a green space, and had little support when the only method of reaching the city centre was the bus service which proved more expensive for a family of four then the increased parking fee.
On reflection I think the change came when we had a fully integrated transport system which although proved controversial has with a number of incentives been widely accepted as it enables citizens to move around Brighton quickly in a much cleaner manner. The heart of the scheme is the dedicated cycle way linking all part of the city and neighbouring towns from Saltdean to Hove, each community has their own transport hub were the residents can access all forms of transport from buses, and taxis to electric cycles and electric buggies (especially welcome for the Blue Badge holders as an alternative to their car). The hubs linked by cycle lanes are used by cyclists and the electric buggies as an alternative form of transport to the buses. The buses still provide a fully integrated link between hubs and across the city as well as being the gateway to towns outside of Brighton, although they are no longer able to enter the inner city as this is now a traffic free zone.
It was a bold decision to remove public parking in the city, from Preston Park down to the sea front there are no car parks of parking meters but this created a wider car free zone around the inner city where only the electric bikes and buggies loaned from the transport hubs are available. The loan of electric vehicles is also available at the park & ride station although the new high-speed rail link from the park & ride station is proving more popular, especially now the cost of parking also includes a day pass on all the city-wide buses for all occupants of each parked vehicle.
The free bus passes for all under-18s and university students was also an essential incentive to increase occupancy of buses outside the normal peak travel times further increasing the justification of making the investment to replace all Brighton's buses and taxis to zero emission vehicles.
Initially the number of visitors was reduced but quickly they increased as they saw the benefits of a cleaner healthier city where local traders put up markets and pop-up events were arranged in the parks and closed-off city centre. There had to be a major change in behaviour but with more people working from home and safer transport for school children using the dedicated buses and cycle trains the need for the motor car has largely been removed with resident using the cycle scheme and public transport rather than their own cars. As the cleaner electric & hydrogen cars become affordable there will be no petrol or diesel cars left in Brighton and car ownership will be restricted to journeys outside of Brighton.
There is still a long way to go before we see carbon emissions reduced to zero, but now we have a fully integrated transport scheme which meets the needs of the citizen and significantly removes the necessity of personnel cars in Brighton. The change in behaviour has reduced car ownership and will soon make the target of a Zero Carbon City achievable
Letter 27
There have been many major improvements in Brighton and Hove since 2020 you'll be pleased to read, but also inevitably some disappointments.
The seafront from The Drive to the Palace Pier is clear of through traffic now, as are North Street, Western Road, Old Steine, St James Street and The Levels. It is a delight to walk through these areas and enjoy all the plants, water features, art and "street furniture"; it is far more relaxed and healthier than before, though two-wheel fascists are still very much in evidence! Our grandchildren can now cycle to school and into town without having to go on the road at all, with just a few crossings along the way.
I love to take my bicycle on the tram out to Shoreham Harbour and have a look round the old fort and then have tea in Shoreham LTN. They built an SMR at Shoreham Power Station (which has just come onstream) and expanded the windfarm out at sea, so it's great to know we now have a completely green electricity supply in Brighton and Hove (though I miss the big funnel with steam coming out!).
Having said that, I'm disappointed that our goal of being carbon neutral in transport by 2030 has not been reached (mainly due to the slow uptake of renewable fuel powered vehicles by taxi drivers and road freight companies and the delayed building of Park and Ride facilities). Unsurprisingly, carbon sequestration and offsetting have not lived up to expectations and the carbon neutral deadline has now been pushed back to 2040.
It's a shame the e-bike and e-cargo schemes didn't work out: too many e-bikes were being stolen and very few people were prepared to be e-cargo drivers at rates that were economical. However, I won £25m on the lottery in 2023 and used it to help fund a West Pier regeneration project which is now home to new venues for live music, theatre, comedy and gastronomy, as well as a new “centre of excellence” in renewable energy.
All in all, I think there's been huge progress made in many areas, but we are still way behind other European cities and have a lot more to do!
[name]
PS. The winning lottery numbers for Saturday 12th August 2023 are 2, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 5, bonus ball 3.
Letter 28
Hope this finds you fit and well. I certainly am!
And here is why.
First you would never recognise Brighton now. The city centre has been car free for many years and what an improvement it is. It’s now a pleasure to go into town and not have to dodge the traffic. Also, I meet so many friends and stop for a chat and natter which is often followed by a healthy wheatgrass drink. Yes, the changes that have taken place in Brighton have certainly made me aware of my own health and wellness issues.
The negative aspect about this change is I tend to spend more in the shops as even they have picked up the message and have created a healthy pollution conscience vibrant atmosphere.
Now let me talk about my bike. As you know I had a redundant bike in my garage. In the past I felt it was too dangerous to ride it and felt extremely unsafe. Also, at that time I was working in the intensive care unit and saw so many injured cyclists it truly put me off. Also breathing in all the fumes from the cars gave me a headache. And don’t make me mention that hill I had attempt to cycle up to my home. It felt like a mountain!
Now I have an electric bike. It is truly wonderful. I can cope with the hills. But to be honest I can now peddle up the hill to the house since my fitness and breathing has improved.
Also, I feel so much safer with the designated cycling lanes which are everywhere. No potholes, drains and parked cars to dodge. No excuse for not using the bike eh?
I have my own bike but it is easy to hire one. There is an activity Hub just down the road which provides bikes and all sorts of fitness apparatus. When you return the bike to the hub your hire fee is reimbursed. Imagine!
Now the most amazing news. I have sold my precious car. It was difficult and still is. My weekly visit to the tip has been curtailed and whilst I can compost some of the garden waste not all of it is possible. So, this is proving a problem. Still growing my own fruit and vegetables so you can imagine there is a lot to do but also a lot of garden waste. The weeds are still growing like you wouldn’t believe.
The queue to get into the tip is still the same which must be causing a great deal of pollution.
Now talking about pollution. Remember how the mist from the sea gathered up the pollution from the cars in town and on the seafront? Then, as it rolled in over Brighton it would get caught on the trees opposite the house. Some days it would stay like that all day creating a misty polluted atmosphere.
If you remember it really affected my breathing so I had to keep the windows closed and not go out until the mist had disappeared.
Well that has stopped. The air now is just perfect. There are so few cars coming into Brighton along London Road and Dyke Road. The road outside the house is pedestrianised so it is not a link between London Road and Dyke Road. It has been a wonderful change made by the council and appreciated by its residents.
Car parking has been more accessible, cheap and user friendly. Plus the Park and Ride facility has been reintroduced with great success both for residents and visitors.
Still talking about cars! The council have introduced so many more electric points for electric cars. Also we are encouraged to have one outside our homes. My next-door neighbour, for instance, has one on the outside wall of his home.
I am not terribly convinced about the use of electric cars. There is still a great deal of congestion at certain times of the day. Also I am aware of how they contribute to the pollution from their tyres. Disposing of the tyres and cars must be polluting the atmosphere as is making the cars. I understand that various parts of the cars are made in different countries and then assembled in another country before being shipped here. Certainly not environmentally sound eh?
Remember the awful traffic jams outside the school along Dyke Road? Well that is no more. The school provides fuel efficient buses which transport the children to and from school. Better to have one vehicle filled with 50 children than two people per car trying to get to the nearest place opposite the school. Also children are encouraged to walk which I understand the school placed emphasis through teaching about personal health and wellbeing.
Let me tell you about the most amazing happening which finally convinced me to sell my car. My next-door neighbour wanted to go to London. He arranged for a flying car to collect him from his garden. He then flew all the way to London and landed on the top of the building he was visiting. Like a helicopter but more environmentally friendly. What a wonderful experience and facility eh?
You will be pleased to hear most of the taxis have gone from near the station. Now visitors to Brighton can take a rickshaw. Not the normal rickshaw we have seen in India but an electric one. Visitors with arthritis and other mobility issues can use them, and if needed, to the nearest connection to pick up a solar electric wheel chair. The rickshaws are great fun for the visitors and give a great first impression of what we are trying to achieve here in Brighton.
You must be surprised at me having all this knowledge about living in a pollution free atmosphere! This is thanks to information given out in our local Hub. Do you remember the parade of shops down the road and the common land opposite? Well that has been turned into a Community Hub. The road in front of the shops has gone. This has been resurfaced and now chairs and tables are there providing a most wonderful continental atmosphere. The local Deli provides the most delicious locally sourced food and drinks. We have a wonderful dentist, who chats to us about the importance of dental hygiene a doctor’s surgery which has a pop in to take your vital signs and discuss any problems you might be experiencing. The doctors are astounded how so few people are presenting with respiratory and cardiac problems which in the past was due to a pollution atmosphere.
Included in the hub is a post office which provides wifi and printing facilities. A grocers which organises cookery sessions using local produce and a hairdressing salon. They provide the most amazing massages. This is often required after a long days cycling!!
I visit the Hub on a daily basis. Even if I don’t require anything I meet up with friends. There is always something going on. The common is now used for all sorts of exciting events. For example, last week a local resident, and friend, gave a poetry reading. We even have healthy living events. I learn so much.
The Hub gives the opportunity for people who work from home to work in the Hub so feel less isolated.
I can still practice my Pilates plus there are yoga, meditation and Thai Chi session. They are held in the fitness centre nearby. Its great fun and when the weather is good we practice on the common. So there is no need for me to take a bus as all I need is here on my door step.
Older people, people who live on their own in fact everyone find the Hub invaluable. Importantly, children contribute to the running of the Hub and give ideas of what they want from its facilities. Last week they gave a wonderful performance on the common which involved so many dance moves. They are so fit and full of energy.
The thing I notice most now is how few children have asthma and breathing related problems. Since the reduction of atmospheric pollution, it has had the knock-on effect of them taking more pride in what they eat and drink. They are often seen using the exercise equipment and instead of aspiring for the perfect body are now more interested in having a healthy body.
Do you remember how you used to say how you didn’t feel plugged in to what was going on in Brighton? Well that is no longer. A local councillor often visits our Hub to discuss local events and any changes which are taking place. I feel much more confident and feel I am contributing to a common good.
I am so proud of Brighton for taking up the challenge of creating an atmospheric pollution free city. I know at times it has been difficult but now people can see it was worth it. We have all come together for a common goal and achieved it. The leadership from the council has been impressive. They informed us about the changes to be made and more importantly why the changes need to be made. Some people disagreed. Some people will always disagree. A number of people have some excellent alternative ideas which the council took on board and made the appropriate changes. But I would say generally most people once they understood the importance of a pollution free Brighton were some of the most passionate about implementing the changes. Nothing like a convert eh? They should be cherished. Through the amazing publicity about Brighton we seem to attract people who respect our need for a pollution free city.
Finally, I cannot tell you how the atmosphere has changed here in Brighton both atmospherically and the attitudes of its residents. Most people are positive healthy and more educated regarding the importance of continuing with the progress made to reduce atmospheric pollution. There is still so much to do but I can say that Brighton residents are up for the challenge.
Letter 29
I am writing to let you know what a great place Brighton is to live in. In the last 10 years we have made so many improvements to the city. We have achieved carbon neutral emissions and made the city a cleaner and far more pleasant place to live by creating community areas with virtually no traffic; easy movement around the city via a brilliant public transport system which joins up all options via hubs and is cost effective and easy to pay for via an integrated ticketing system. Visitors to the city love the trams from the northern park and ride to the seafront, and along the otherwise traffic- free seafront from east to west, and also from Brighton Station to the seafront.
As I was always a nervous cyclist, I have really befitted from the improved dedicated cycle pathways and am now cycling more regularly, which has the benefit of supporting my physical fitness. I can also easily use public transport to access most places I wish to visit; especially now I qualify for a free bus pass.
My week now includes regular use of public transport and on the rare occasion we need a car we use the electric cars from the car club. They even have them based in the outer areas like here in peripheral Hangleton nowadays.
The benefits to the local community of Hangleton have been enormous with the local shopping area becoming a super community hub and with increased safety due to the mostly pedestrianised roads and on street facilities, it’s a real pleasure to go to the local shops and takes ages because you always meet people to chat to, and can stop for a very pleasant coffee or lunch. Sainsbury’s West Hove has closed down and the area has been re-designated as a park and ride/transport hub, serving the west of the city and with cycle paths linking into the citywide dedicated cycle network.
I am proud that Brighton and Hove has embraced so many strategies and been a shining light to others in the move to reduce emissions. I can see that many people who were anti-change have now realised there are so many unexpected benefits to the changes; and I am so pleased to see the end of the culture of massive, polluting and unnecessary cars being used as a fashion accessory – something I always took issue with!
The future is looking better and better.
With love,
Your older and wiser self xxx
Letter 30
I’m in 2030 driving my new 4x4, due to a network of micro nuclear fission plants, I enjoy virtually free energy to power my life. Cyclists have their own pathways and as we’ve re-joined the EU, I’m taking advantage of my newly acquired citizenship to go to France at 150mph hands-free.
Letter 31
I want to see the majority of cars being electric, all public transport to be run from renewable energy. Cheap bus fares, just the price of a coffee for a day ticket, tickets that can be used across all transport, and cycle paths being separate with their own crossing and traffic lights and runs across Brighton & Hove.
Letter 32
Because of the less congestion for traffic and e-bikes, I will go to the Downs for my exercise more and I will be a lot fitter. There will be dedicated cycle routes to make it safer to get up there.
Letter 33
I am so pleased the council decided to ban cars from the city centre and prioritise walking and cycling. I used to be anxious about walking and cycling after being knocked over by someone cycling on the pavement and sustaining a permanent shoulder injury and having too many close calls while cycling on the road. I cycle everywhere now, and I love it. I am fitter & healthier than I’ve been in a long time.
My favourite trip is to Churchill Square where I can sit surrounded by trees and watch the bees busily gathering nectar and pollen from all the lovely lavender bushes. The air is clean and there’s a positive vibe everywhere. I often take peanuts for the squirrels. There’s so much wildlife it’s wonderful.
I did my fruit and veg shopping from the city centre food growing hubs. Local is best and these hubs would only have been possible in a car free centre. It’s wonderful to see so many horse and carts doing deliveries. It was a genius idea to do this once a month. Who knew we’d return to this mode of transport? The children love it, as do those who remember the old Rag N Bone.
I am so proud of the council taking such a bold approach and setting an example to the rest of the country. The network of car free city centres is now spreading across Europe and there’s even a few in the USA! Onward and upward.
Letter 34
Brighton has changed so much in the 10 years since I took part in the climate assembly. I cycle to work every day in the spring and summer because they have made these amazing cycle lanes that I feel safe enough to ride on. In the winter, I now car share with colleagues of mine, luckily for me, we take my car as I brought an electric one that’s really safe and gets me from A to B in just under 15 minutes. It’s amazing. So many people have taken to getting public transport in the winter now as it's so much more affordable than it used to be.
Not only this but when I have friends and family visit Brighton now, there’s a great Park & Ride near the football stadium that’s easily accessible to Brighton if you’re getting the train or bus as they are both seconds away from the park and ride. It keeps lots of different vehicles out the city and is just so much brighter and cleaner for everyone. It’s amazing!
The council have also been brilliant at communicating and engaging us residents of Brighton and Hove. They have done many consultations with residents of Brighton and Hove with surveys, meetings and get-togethers on how we can improve Brighton and its transport network as a city taking everyone’s views into account! It’s finally starting to become a cleaner, safer and accessible city for all who access it. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.
Take care and keep looking after yourself and your city!
Letter 35
Today’s Brighton is far from what it was. Do you remember that climate assembly at the beginning? Now Brighton is full of nature and life, the air is clear and there is clean travel. There were no cars in the city from 2026 and we have a hybrid shuttle bus from the park and ride to the centre.
All the electricity is sourced from the wind farms off the coast by 2024 and they are introducing hybrid buses from the government. Hybrid buses starting to greener future. We are still a way off being neutral carbon but we are going to be successful.