Last week, Brighton and Hove City Council confirmed new coach parking on Stroudley Road, close to Brighton Station, following outcry from residents residing on Old Steine.
Gary Farmer, long-term resident and former chair of Brighton Reform group, mentioned the spot was previously a stop for just “two or three” Brighton and Hove Bus routes.
But, following the Royal Albion fire, and due to the Valley Gardens regeneration undertaking, the National Express coach station was moved from Pool Valley to varied bus stops across the Old Steine – inflicting noise points for residents.
Council transport boss Trevor Muten introduced that it will be encouraging National Express and different suppliers to park the coaches on Stroudley Road behind Brighton Station.
But following the council’s announcement, Mr Farmer mentioned the brand new cease “is not being used”, with coaches persevering with to decide up from the Old Steine.
He mentioned the brand new cease is “not a solution” and reported that he’d been instructed that “there is no intention” for coaches to use the Stroudley Road location due to extra journey time and prices.
National Express has since confirmed that due to “operational requirements” it will be persevering with to serve clients from Old Steine.
A spokeswoman for the corporate mentioned: “We continue to work intently with Brighton & Hove City Council as adjustments to coach services are applied throughout the town.
“While we welcome the brand new provision at Stroudley Road, operational necessities imply some providers will not be but ready to relocate, and we will continue to serve clients from Old Steine till additional discover.
“Our focus stays on sustaining handy and dependable providers and we will maintain working with the council as preparations evolve.”
Brighton and Hove City Council mentioned it’s “working with operators” to resolve the difficulty.
Councillor Trevor Muten, Cabinet Member for transport and metropolis infrastructure at Brighton and Hove City Council, responded: “We’re eager for National Express and FlixBus to start utilizing the brand new provision in Stroudley Road for his or her providers as quickly as doable.
“This is a major step toward developing a much-needed transport hub in the city centre. We will continue to work with operators to make this happen.”
The determination has received mixed reaction from the public, with many suggesting their very own options to the difficulty.
Community group Brighton Buswatch additionally shared their views on the going row.
It mentioned: “Buswatch understands the very difficult and regarding state of affairs concerning coaches in Brighton. We welcome the brand new services offered at Stroudley Road and hope scheduled coach providers can use this in brief order (while nonetheless serving Old Steine) for the good thing about clients and continuity.
“Further to this we’re resolute within the want to retain Pool Valley, in some type, as a coach facility relieving stress on Old Steine and parking points recognised on the seafront.
“We must not forget the importance of coaches for tourism in Brighton and with National Express and Flixbus under our remit, we recognise the importance of these routes to Brighton.”
