Removal of Chichester pop-up cycle lanes confirmed

The cycle route, running from St Richard’s Hospital to the railway station, has provoked plenty of debate in the city since it was installed in August.

The decision to scrap the scheme was originally taken by the cabinet member for highways and infrastructure Roger Elkins towards the end of October.

But this was called-in by Lib Dem and independent councillors and then discussed by the environment and communities scrutiny committee on Wednesday (November 18).

Since the committee supported the cabinet member’s original decision it has now come into effect and the pop-up cycle lane will be removed.

In a report discussed by councillors earlier this week, officers said: The Chichester scheme has fulfilled its primary objectives and the extraordinary circumstances that necessitated its installation no longer exist. It is therefore proposed to remove the scheme in its entirety. Removing the scheme will return the network to its pre-pandemic state.”

They felt an option to modify the scheme would ‘best be considered as part of the future design of any permanent scheme and as such subject to full consultation’.

The Chichester pop-up scheme proved unpopular with many motorists due to perceived congestion and a lack of use.

But Lib Dem county councillor Kate O’Kelly, who led the call-in request, suggested they be improved rather than removed, adding: “There’s no evidence that this real and pragmatic option was considered, let alone scrutinised.”

Additional reporting by local democracy reporter Karen Dunn.