As the clocks go back and darker evenings return, Brighton & Hove City Council is reminding residents and visitors to take extra care when travelling around the city, encouraging drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to stay alert, remain visible and help keep local roads safe throughout the autumn and winter months.
Throughout next week, road safety officers will be out during the evening rush hour speaking to people who cycle, walk and wheel, offering practical safety advice and free visibility items including temporary bike lights, reflective stickers and hi-vis rucksack covers.
Council officers will be out and about from around 4:45pm until 6:30pm:
Monday 26 October - St Peter's Church area
Tuesday 27 October - Church Road, Hove near Grand Avenue
Wednesday 28 October - Preston Park South
Thursday 29 October - The Highway junction with Lewes Road
Friday 30 October - Aquarium junction near Madeira Drive
Road safety officers, working with colleagues from Sussex Police and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, will be encouraging cyclists to check that their lights are working properly and reminding everyone that visibility becomes especially important during the autumn and winter months.
The Highway code says front white and rear red light are required after dark and recommends anyone walking or wheeling after dark wears reflective or bright clothing.
They're also asking motorists to take extra care and be aware that vulnerable road users can be harder to spot in low-light conditions.
Councillor Trevor Muten, Cabinet member for Transport and City Infrastructure, said:
“As the evenings become darker, it's important that all of us take simple steps to help keep ourselves and others safe.
“Whether you're walking, wheeling, cycling, travelling by public transport or driving, being alert and making yourself visible can make a real difference.
“We're continuing to invest in safer streets and better infrastructure across Brighton & Hove, with improvements to crossings, pavements, junctions and cycling routes helping people travel around the city with greater confidence.
“But road safety is everyone's responsibility. By taking a few extra precautions this winter and looking out for one another, we can all help make our roads safer.”
The campaign comes as the council continues to invest in ways to make active travel safer and more accessible throughout Brighton & Hove.
Last week they officially opened phase 3 of the Valley Gardens scheme, with it’s new cycle lane, better and safer junctions and new space for pedestrians.
Work is also underway on the A259 Active Travel Scheme between Hove and Portslade, while the council is also consulting on extending the scheme between Hove and West Street in Brighton.
