Coronavirus: Madeira Drive closed to give residents space

Roads in Brighton are due to close, in order to give residents more space to exercise during lockdown.

Madeira Drive was cordoned off on Monday and was the first road in the city to shut.

The road closure has been carried out under emergency powers as a response to the pandemic.

The idea is to allow walkers and cyclists to have more outside space to get their daily exercise.

Brighton and Hove Council said it's joining other world cities, like Vancouver and Berlin, where road space has temporarily been opened up for residents.

Councillor Anne Pissaridou said Madeira Drive is an "extra safe open place" for local people, especially for residents who do not have access to a garden.

She said: "Social distancing is making us all aware of the importance of public spaces."

"I would ask that cyclists and pedestrians respect each other’s space and safety in this shared area. We’re all in this together."

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Signs advising people to keep a safe distance will be put up around Madeira Drive.

The road will be stewarded from 8am to 8pm daily, so that businesses still have essential access to properties.