The debate over the city’s 2023 city centre car ban has continued to divide opinions as the controversial proposal supported by the Green Party continues to gain pace.
Under the plans, the removal of car access will allow for a lower emission environment and hopes to encourage residents to take up more planet friendly travel such as walking and cycling.
However, whilst there is some strong support for the proposal, there is also much criticism as to the effect it will have on the Brighton economy.
The main arguments in support of the idea focus around the opportunities it is set to bring both to the businesses and the public condition within the city.
The idea of a reduced traffic zone means that more essential drivers such as taxis, carers, delivery drivers and emergency services will gain much quicker access to vastly improve the quality of life for the city’s residents.
There is also the main concern of health benefits, as without exhaust fumes and the particles in the air to breathe in, air quality will reach safer legal limits that help to improve the life expectancy of those who live with breathing conditions and for the average resident too.
Climate change has also been an inevitable issue with such vehicle pollution making it much easier for the sea level to rise and the possibility of extreme weather.
On the other side, questions remain over viability and cost to the public.
Many residents require cars to travel to work and for other commitments, with public transport an often-inconvenient method, especially at rush hour.
The current global pandemic also questions how the close proximity of people should transport numbers grow will risk and damage people’s health.
There is also no clear understanding on who would be allowed to drive, with disabled people and other professions suffering and possibly even leaving the area should their abilities to function be compromised
Tourism is also set to suffer, as travellers driving from up and down the nation will be put off should their journeys be faced with blockages and the need to switch their transport methods, especially as due to Brighton’s location there is likely to be a long distance of travel.
The economy also faces the loss of these travellers, as well as the financial benefits they bring.
Car parks, parking meters and certain businesses will all now lack supply and no longer become substantial windfalls to support the council’s budgetary need.
This debate is sure to roll on for the next two years, with speeds picking up as the deadline draws ever nearer.
Answers will be needed to ensure that the community can adapt and prepare should the car ban come into force.
Photo Credit: Nabeel Syed
