Closing the gap

The Government's Highways Agency has announced proposals to close the gap in the central reservation of the A27 at Hammerpot, to stop motorists turning right into Angmering across the path of westbound traffic, which is often travelling downhill towards the junction at high speed.

Accidents have also been caused by drivers turning left out of Arundel Road in front of fast-moving vehicles in the westbound carriageway of the A27.

West Sussex County Council has raised the issue of safety at the junction with the agency on several occasions and in spite of a number of alterations to the road layout, Hammerpot's poor accident record has continued.

No action will be taken until the new Angmering bypass is open in the spring, but in the meantime, the agency is investigating a possible site for a speed camera near the junction, which could be installed before the end of March. Other cameras may be set up later along this stretch of the A27, to address the problem of speeding motorists.

Details of the draft order to close the gap, including transport secretary Alastair Darling's reasons for taking the action, have gone on view at Angmering Library and at Arun Civic Centre, Littlehampton, and anyone wishing to make comments on the proposal has until December 19 to submit them in writing.

Comments should be sent to Operations Directorate, Highways Agency, Federated House, London Road, Dorking, Surrey RH4 1SZ, quoting the reference HA/A27/41/7/119.