Changes are being proposed to a revamped city centre street beside Brighton’s Open Market, in response to residents’ complaints.

Francis Street was reopened in 2014 as part of the market’s redevelopment, including over 80 new homes.  

But householders say they have since had problems with cars and market delivery vehicles becoming a hazard and making life difficult.

As a result council transport officers have been working with developers to resolve problems, and liaised with the residents’ ward councillor.

Locals said they had to walk in the road as pavements were blocked by market delivery vehicles, illegally parked cars and Blue Badge holders’ cars. Street furniture like lamps and cycle stands were poorly positioned, they felt.

Private garages were being blocked in and vehicles travelling too fast.

Changes proposed include:

* Making the street a ‘Restricted Zone’ with ‘access only’ arrangements to prevent rat-running. The street will only be legally used by drivers with business there 
* Planters and bollards to protect pavements from cars
* Restrictions confining loading or waiting to designated bays
* A raised entry treatment at the junction with Ditchling Road to cut vehicle speeds and emphasise the street as a pedestrian route
* Signage underlining an existing ban accessing Francis Street from London Road, except for cyclists.

A report on the proposals goes the Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee for approval tonight (27 June 2017).

Chair councillor Gill Mitchell said: “The market redevelopment improved the area and created much-needed homes. But the devil was in the detail for residents.  I’m extremely glad we’ve been able to work quickly to improve people’s lives. That’s what the council is for.”

Final changes are expected to be in place by the end of the year after consultation on legally-required traffic orders.

Francis Street at its junction with London Road