Brighton choir helps celebrate completion of work at the Seven Dials

Celebrations were held yesterday (Wednesday 18 December) to mark the completion of the main changes at the Seven Dials roundabout in Brighton.

The event included short speeches from councillors and people living near by followed by carol singing with the Dawn Chorus Choir from St Luke’s Church.

The contractor Edburton has provided a Christmas tree.

Shops were encouraged to stay open late and members of the community organised a local shopping quiz with the chance to win prizes.

Changes at the Dials included creating a longer oval traffic island to replace the old mini-roundabout.

The new-look Seven Dials photographed by Peter Tierney

The aim is to make it more likely that vehicles will join the roundabout more gradually than previously.

Brighton and Hove City Council said that the changes were intended to benefit all road users, particularly cyclists and pedestrians.

Other measures include replacing the old paving with a better-quality material, removing street clutter and changing pelican crossings to zebra crossings to make it quicker and easier to cross.

Guard railings have been removed – a measure that has proved controversial with some, including blind and partially sighted people.

The council said that experts had stated that the change would have no impact on safety.

Another controversy, around the threat to a mature elm in Vernon Terrace, was resolved when the tree was reprieved.

The council said: “Many trees have also been planted to green the area and new benches and cycle racks have been added.

“Most residents consulted backed the main changes during public consultation in October 2012. Councillors approved the scheme in January this year.

“The junction is one of the most accident-prone in the city. Twenty personal injury accidents were recorded within a 25-metre radius of the Seven Dials roundabout between October 2009 and October 2012, resulting in 23 casualties.”

Councillor Ian Davey, who speaks on transport for the council’s Green administration, said: “This is a set of improvements well worth celebrating because they will certainly, over time, reduce the number of accidents and injuries at this location.

“We are confident that, in addition to the safety benefits, the changes will contribute to long-term economic regeneration of the area and offer a welcome boost to local business.”