It is regretful, yet predictable, that when the catastrophic consequences of the recent introduction of cycle lanes becomes apparent, that the Green Administration seek to blame the Government for making them do it. It is also inevitable the Greens will claim they have only just taken over from the Labour Group who had to hand over power after a series of resignations.

To be clear, when Labour came to power they signed an agreement with the Greens and now the Greens are in power, they continue with the agreement with Labour.

Labour chaired the Committee that kicked this all off and promoted the measures with the full support of the Greens.

Opportunity was given to both Labour and Green councillors to reconsider what was happening. Yet unanimously, Labour and Green councillors voted against an urgent meeting to discuss Old Shoreham Road and a compromise for Madeira Drive. Of course, we now see crocodile tears from those that gave up that opportunity and then the blame game starts.

The Government has provided millions of pounds for social distancing schemes and committed billions to enhance and improve active transport such as cycling and walking. This is welcomed news and much needs to be done.

What Government didn’t do was make the council do anything. It invited bids from councils for money. Government didn’t tell the council what roads in Brighton & Hove to close or where to put cycle lanes. Government didn’t tell the council not to consult with people or to avoid undertaking impact assessments on the consequences of what would happen, if schemes were implemented. Government didn’t tell the council to be hypocrites by installing measures intending to improve our health and well-being whilst creating traffic jams producing pollution on an epic scale.

It is interesting that the Green Administration complains Government doesn’t give them enough power to increase council tax without a referendum yet blames Government for the backlash it is now receiving for how it chose to spend the money.

It is also interesting how Labour and the Greens cite lack of time to consult anybody. It had time to consult with the bus company over St James’s Street yet not the taxi trade when taxi ranks were removed. It has had enough time to consult with cycling groups yet not with those that represent disabled groups and Blue Badge holders when it installed lethal disabled parking bays on the seafront. The simple fact is that time was tight, but the Greens and Labour made calculated decisions on who they wanted to consult.

But the complaints and smokescreens from the Greens clears when you read their current bid for more money. There was no mention from them that they object to Government forcing them to do things!! In fact, they exclaim how fantastic it is and how they have consulted extensively and that the ideas are demand led. They are less cautious about stating some measures will be permanent. They talk about schemes being complimentary with the strategic network.

A couple of things told to us. It is known that impact assessments couldn’t be done so the council is flying a bit in the dark, consultation wasn’t intensive because it is only now beginning to happen, they talk of the strategic network, although we don’t yet have one.

So, when Labour and the Greens blame each other and then the Government, it should be remembered that they created all this in coalition with each other, they want this to happen and by design it is being implemented without your prior consent with no funds to reverse it. You might love what is happening and you might hate it but to the Green and Labour councillors, please no more faux concern and no more blaming others. At least have the courage to own what you have consciously decided to do together.

Lee Wares is the Conservative Group's Transport Spokesperson