About the scheme
We completed work on the A23 Active Travel Scheme in July 2025.
The finished work on the A23 (London Road and Preston Road), between Argyle Road and Preston Drove, makes it safer and easier for pedestrians and cyclists to travel through.
We upgraded key junctions and bus stops, and improved access to Preston Park, nearby sports facilities, attractions and green spaces.
Some key features were:
- an upgraded cycle lane, separated from the road in both directions, forming part of
- the National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 20, between Brighton and Pyecombe
- new controlled pedestrian crossings, upgraded pedestrian islands, safer junctions
- better and safer access to Preston Park, and Preston Manor and Gardens
You can find out more about the scheme below.
Timeline
November 2020
The Department for Transport's Active Travel Fund awards the council £909,000 for the A23 Active Travel Scheme.
February 2021
A 6-week public consultation was held on the Active Travel Fund schemes, including the A23.
July 2021
The council's Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee agrees on the preliminary design and instructs officers to undertake further public consultation and discussions with key stakeholders to inform design development.
October to December 2021
Stakeholder engagement to gather feedback and comments. These are fed into the detailed design.
March 2022
Detailed design approved by the Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee.
Spring/summer 2023
A further consultation with stakeholders and statutory consultation as part of the Traffic Regulation Order. Feedback from this was used for the final design.
October 2023
Phase 1a and 1b were approved for construction by the Transport and Sustainability Committee.
Summer 2024
Work is scheduled to commence.
Winter 2025 to 2026
Scheduled completion date.
Aims of the A23 Active Travel Scheme
The A23 Active Travel Scheme aims to improve a key transport corridor for the city and make it a safer and more attractive environment for all who use it.
On completion, the finished scheme will:
- enable and encourage active and inclusive travel such as walking, cycling and wheeling through new and updated infrastructure
- improve the overall experience for public transport users
- upgrade key junctions and improve road safety for all users
- improve access to green spaces, heritage attractions and leisure locations situated along the A23
Reasons for making the changes
The A23 is identified as a high-priority strategic route for improvement in the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), a strategic plan which identifies routes and areas in the city for improvement over the next 10 years.
The A23 forms part of the National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 20, between Brighton and Pyecombe. The current cycle infrastructure on the route falls short of the current national design standards for cycling (LTN 1/20). These standards promote high-quality cycle facilities, including protecting and separating cyclists from vehicles and pedestrians to:
- ensure safety
- promote an increase in cycling
Improving accessibility and safety
New and upgraded crossing facilities and pedestrian spaces will make crossing the A23 and accessing the attractions on either side of the road easier for all.
In Phase 1, improvements include:
- a new toucan crossing between Preston Park and popular hotel accommodation
- a new signalised pedestrian crossing between Preston Park and Preston Park Rockery, a municipal rock garden previously awarded the best park in England
Provide sustainable travel options to key destinations along the route
Through new and upgraded active travel infrastructure we can provide residents and visitors with the ability to choose sustainable forms of transport to reach the variety of destinations along the A23 Active Travel Scheme area including:
- popular green spaces such as Preston Park, Withdean Park and Patcham Peace Gardens
- sport and leisure facilities such as Withdean Sports Complex
- heritage attractions and listed buildings such as Preston Manor and Gardens
- Preston Park Railway Station
- shops, cafes, pubs and accommodation options
- local schools and medical centres