Bexhill to Hastings bus lane work delayed

Work on seafront bus lanes promised in 2004 is not set to start until October '“ almost a year after the link road officially opened.
The Bexhill to Hastings Link Road. SUS-151217-145732001The Bexhill to Hastings Link Road. SUS-151217-145732001
The Bexhill to Hastings Link Road. SUS-151217-145732001

The lanes, from Glyne Gap to Bexhill Road on the A259, were promised more than a decade ago and were a condition of Department for Transport funding approval for Combe Valley Way in 2012.

The Campaign for Better Transport – East Sussex said the delay represented ‘bad news’ for Bexhill and Hastings.

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“Originally intended to begin construction in February, East Sussex County Council has revealed the start date for construction will now be October,” said group spokesman Derrick Coffee.

“Delay is likely to lead to lower take-up of the bus as a more sustainable means to travel, traffic beginning to grow back on Bexhill Road – taking advantage of the lower traffic levels, deterioration of air quality, higher climate change gas emissions and delayed advantages for cyclists who would gain by using the bus lanes.”

Mr Coffee said the delay was another setback for public transport.

“The removal two years ago from transport plans of the long proposed new railway station at Glyne Gap by Rother District Council and ESCC is a further incentive to ‘carry on driving’ and a blow to any vision of a good mix of high quality sustainable transport for residents, workers, tourists, young people and students,” he said.

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An ESCC spokeswoman said: “We have worked closely with partners to ensure any travel choice put in place is sustainable, appropriate and supports local economic growth and are pleased to say work on new bus lanes along the A259 is scheduled to begin in late autumn.

“Following discussions with stakeholders, it was decided to carry out the work at this time to avoid affecting this year’s extended summer season running from Easter in late March to the events surrounding the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings in mid-October.

“Once the work is complete, Stagecoach will be providing an improved service between Bexhill and Hastings.”

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