Key Highlights
- National Express will continue to park coaches on Old Steine despite council’s new provision.
- Resident Gary Farmer claims the new location is not being used and that there are operational reasons for staying put.
- Council and operators remain optimistic about resolving the issue through further consultation.
A Coach Parking Standoff in Brighton
National Express has made a bold statement by refusing to move its coaches from their long-standing spot on Old Steine, despite the city council’s efforts to find an alternative. The situation is heating up, with both parties dug in and no clear resolution in sight.
The Move and Its Controversy
Last week, Brighton and Hove City Council announced a new coach parking facility on Stroudley Road, near Brighton Station. This move was prompted by resident complaints about noise from coaches parked on Old Steine. However, Gary Farmer, a long-term resident and former chair of the Brighton Reform group, has been vocal in his opposition to this change.
Farmer argues that the new location is not being utilized effectively, with National Express continuing to use Old Steine for its operations. A spokesperson for National Express confirmed that operational requirements are keeping them there: “While we welcome the new provision at Stroudley Road, operational requirements mean some services are not yet able to relocate, and we will continue to serve customers from Old Steine until further notice.”
The Council’s Perspective
Despite the ongoing standstill, the council remains optimistic. Trevor Muten, the council’s transport boss, stated: “We’re keen for National Express and FlixBus to begin using the new provision in Stroudley Road as soon as possible. This is a major step toward developing a much-needed transport hub in the city centre.” The council has installed new parking facilities on Stroudley Road, hoping these will eventually solve the problem.
Community and Business Implications
The decision to park coaches on Old Steine has not gone unnoticed. Community group Brighton Buswatch expressed support for the council’s efforts but also highlighted the need to retain Pool Valley as a coach facility. They believe this would help alleviate parking issues in the city centre, particularly on the seafront.
For residents and businesses relying on coaches, the situation is a double-edged sword.
While they appreciate the council’s attempts to mitigate noise pollution, many are concerned about the logistical challenges of moving operations. The debate centers around balancing urban comfort with commercial needs.
The standoff between National Express and the city council demonstrates the complexities involved in modern urban planning, particularly when it comes to accommodating different stakeholders. As the situation evolves, all parties will be watching closely to see how the issue is ultimately resolved.
