An historic Brighton shopping street will be pedestrianised at weekends, under a trial scheme beginning on Saturday May 30.
East Street will be closed to traffic on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 7pm, from south of the taxi rank to King’s Road.
The aim of the trial, being introduced by Brighton & Hove City Council, is to create a more pleasant environment for the thousands of shoppers and others who walk through the street at weekends, and follows extensive consultation.
East Street is one of the oldest in Brighton, leading from the Royal Pavilion to the seafront. It is one of the busiest pedestrian routes in the city, with up to 20,000 people a day visiting in peak times.
The trial pedestrianisation of East Street at weekends is part of traffic improvements to the Old Town in the historic heart of the city, which has already seen Ship Street closed to vehicles at the junction with North Street.
Councillor Gill Mitchell, chair of the council's Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee, said: “East Street is used by several hundred thousand local residents and visitors a year, and traders have long been campaigning for traffic to be removed at certain times. We expect this move to add to the appeal and vibrancy of the street for all those visiting.
She added: “The trial will last for up to 18 months and during this time the council will monitor and assess its effect, and make a decision whether to make the arrangement permanent at the end of the trial. We especially want to ensure that the new arrangements are working well for local traders.”
More information: Old town traffic improvements