You say: Road crossings
January 8, 2018
Do you have a story you want to tell about the National Park? A burning issue that you think needs to be raised publicly? We publish one story or comment about the National Park in our newsletter South Downs News each month and a response from the SDNPA.
This letter was published in our January 2018 edition.
Elizabeth Mandeville from Lewes says:
What are you going to do make sure that all the rights to enjoy walking in the Park will be protected, and particularly the right to cross roads in safety?
My friends and I recently took a train from Lewes to Southease, with a view to walking several miles on the Downs, starting back from Southease via the A27 opposite Bedingham, and catching a train home. We had not realised how difficult that could be! Most of the drivers continued at speed, some actually accelerating as they came near, none slowing down. Moreover, the bollard in the middle of the road, meant to provide a measure of safety, was very small; think of the needs of families with children!
The National Park must insist that both adults and children have the right to know and love the nature around them, especially that of our beautiful South Downs. Have you made a stand?
If not, why not? Looking after landscapes, and those of all the species that love them, is your job!
Andy Gattiker leads on the South Downs Way National Trail and Rights of Way for the South Downs National Park Authority responds:
We are very aware of the high volumes of fast moving traffic in some parts of the National Park and the difficulties this creates for walkers, cyclists and equestrians trying to cross roads. This is something we are looking at through work such as the Local Plan, Neighbourhood Plans and Development Control work and our involvement in smaller scale improvements.
Unfortunately, there is rarely a simple solution, particularly on A Roads and other strategic routes which often don’t meet the criteria for permitting reduced speeds or controlled crossing points.
We’re not responsible for roads or the rights of way (RoW) network, except the South Downs Way National Trail, but we work closely with Highways England and the Local Highway Authorities to raise awareness of the importance of RoW and the need for users to be able to cross major roads safely. As a result we have seen a number of crossing schemes coming forward recently including some potential improvements with West Sussex County Council.
With regards to the A27 east of Lewes, there is some good news. Highways England, who manage it, have produced proposals for a new section of cycleway and an upgraded uncontrolled crossing point at the Firle Road junction – due in early 2018 these should result in a safer crossing point for all.
In the longer term, we have commented extensively on proposals for upgrading parts of the A27 east of Lewes and our particular concerns about safe crossing points for RoW. Final details of improvements have yet to be announced but we are confident that, as part of any bigger scheme, facilities will be improved for walkers and cyclists.