This month marks the commencement of safety improvements in Brighton. Starting Monday, January 22, the junctions of Trafalgar Street with Blackman Street, and Trafalgar Street with Whitecross Street, are set for a transformation.

The initiative follows six recorded injury-causing collisions over three years at the Trafalgar Street/Blackman Street junction, a site known for poor visibility issues. Authorities suspect more unreported incidents, emphasizing the need for change.

Key changes include closing Blackman Street at its junction with Trafalgar Street to motor vehicles while maintaining access between Cheapside and Trafalgar Street Car Park. This closure also facilitates the planting of a new tree and the addition of new street furniture.

For pedestrians, improvements are funded by developers in the Trafalgar Street/Whitecross Street/Sydney Street vicinity. Plans include replacing and extending raised road areas, narrowing the Whitecross Street junction to ease pedestrian crossing, and extending one-way restrictions on Trafalgar Street.

These measures aim to enhance pedestrian safety and address issues of vehicles travelling the wrong way on Trafalgar Street. Vehicle access to Sydney Street will be redirected via Pelham Street or York Place/St George’s Place.

Cyclists can rejoice as two-way cycle access will be maintained throughout the area. The entire project is expected to be completed in approximately five weeks, promising a safer and more user-friendly environment for shoppers and residents alike.

Councillor Trevor Muten, Chair of the Transport and Sustainability committee said: “These improvements will improve safety in a busy shopping area of Brighton & Hove.  

“We know the junction with Blackman Street has been an issue we needed to address and closing the road at one end will mean a safer space for all road users.

“The improvements around Sydney Street and Whitecross Street will make it a much nicer place for people to shop and enhance the vibrancy of this part of the city.

“This is a part of the city where people shop, eat, drink and socialise so we must make it as safe as possible. These changes will undoubtedly do that.”