Brighton Business Owners Petition to End Red RoutesBrighton Business Owners Petition to End Red Routes A business owner has initiated a petition to abolish red routes on London Road and Lewes Road in Brighton. The red routes, implemented in April by Brighton and Hove City Council, have sparked concerns among local businesses. Despite meetings with council officials, businesses have faced continued challenges in delivering goods due to insufficient loading bays. The petition, organized by Smokemart owner Kamil Sharobi, outlines specific concerns for businesses and residents. Immediate concerns include the lack of loading bays, which forces businesses to wait for vehicles at distant loading areas shared by multiple businesses. The petition also highlights customer inconvenience resulting from reduced parking spaces, leading to decreased pedestrian traffic and lower sales. Economic impacts are also a concern, with small businesses facing financial hardship due to the route restrictions. The petition emphasizes the vulnerability of independent businesses and the risk to the area’s economic vitality. Community impacts include reduced accessibility for people with disabilities, older residents, and families with young children, who rely on local shops and services. Additionally, the petition claims that the red routes have not solved traffic congestion but instead created bottlenecks and increased traffic on surrounding roads. Councillor Trevor Muten, responsible for transport, has met with affected residents and businesses, acknowledging the need for further action. However, he emphasized the positive impact of the red routes in reducing bus travel times and air pollution. The petition calls for an immediate end to the red routes, an evaluation of alternative traffic arrangements, and increased consultation with businesses and residents. It also requests more loading and unloading areas and short-term parking spaces. The petition, open until September 1, encourages business owners and residents to submit feedback to Brighton and Hove City Council by September 30.
A business owner has started a petition to end the new red route on London Road and Lewes Road in Brighton.
Brighton and Hove City Council introduced the red routes in April. Since then, businesses have met with the councillor for transport, parking and public space, Councillor Trevor Muten, to share their concerns.
In response, more loading bays have been built along London Road, where suppliers have struggled to deliver to some businesses.
The new petition, organised by Smokemart owner Kamil Sharobi, 38, is titled Brighton Red Route (London Road and Lewes Road) on the council’s website and lists three concerns for businesses and two for residents.
Mr Sharobi struggles to get stock to his store as he has to wait for vehicles to be ready at the nearest loading bay, which is shared by nine businesses.
The petition calls for an immediate end to the red routes, an evaluation of alternative traffic arrangements, more loading and unloading areas and short-term parking spaces, and more meaningful consultation with businesses and residents.
The petition states: “We believe that by addressing these issues Brighton and Hove City Council can promote a thriving business environment and a more accessible and inclusive community.
“We urge the council to take urgent action to remove the red route and support the economic health and wellbeing of our local area.”
The petition called for immediate action to address the loading and unloading issues, with retailers facing major challenges due to the shortage of loading space.
The petition states: “The few available loading docks are located far from shops, making it extremely difficult for businesses to load and unload goods efficiently.
“This has led to higher operational costs and delays, which negatively impacts the smooth running of businesses.
“Customer inconvenience: The new red route has reduced the availability of convenient parking spaces for customers, resulting in a decrease in pedestrian traffic.
“Customers are being deterred by the lack of accessible parking and the increased difficulty of making quick stops to make purchases, resulting in a noticeable drop in sales and revenue for local businesses.
“Economic Impact: The restrictions imposed by the Red Route are stifling local commerce. Small and independent businesses, which are the backbone of our community, are particularly vulnerable.
“The economic vitality of London Road and Lewes Road is at risk if these businesses continue to suffer.”
The petition also cited impacts on the community, saying: “The red route has made it difficult for people with disabilities, older residents and families with young children to access the shops and services they rely on.
“The limited and inconvenient parking options disproportionately affect these groups, leading to less inclusivity in the community.
“Contrary to its intended purpose, the red route has not alleviated traffic congestion. Instead, it has created bottlenecks and increased traffic on surrounding roads as drivers seek alternative routes.
“This has led to longer travel times and increased frustration among both commuters and residents.”
Councillor Alistair McNair, leader of the Conservative Party, raised the issue at a full council meeting on Thursday 11 July.
He said the routes might make buses a few minutes faster but had caused “financial hardship” for small businesses that had to be given priority over a private bus company.
Councillor Muten said he has met residents and traders at the London Road Area Local Action Team and concerned business owners three times since the red routes came into effect.
He said: “One of the things we had particularly along London Road and Lewes Road was often gridlocked traffic which caused air pollution and delays for buses, but also other traffic on the main arteries of the city.
“We think they add incredible value to the community. What I have done in this consultation is talk to the residents and traders in London Road.”
Councillor Muten said there was still work to be done to help Mr Sharobi’s case and another case, Presuming Ed, adding that it was previously illegal to park on the double yellow lines that were there.
The petition runs until Sunday 1 September. Business owners and residents affected by the red routes can submit feedback by emailing [email protected] by Monday 30 September.
