Council backs 20mph speed limit bid

Earlier this year people in South Street, Lewes, put 'Slow Down South Street' posters in their windows and handed in a petition to East Sussex County Council calling for traffic calming measures and a reduction in the speed limit from 30mph to 20mph.

On Monday East Sussex County Council recommended the speed limit should be reduced to 20mph, pending police approval and further consultation with local residents.

The county council will include the new proposal as part of its plans for a 20mph speed limit throughout the town centre.

In a report to the council Rupert Clubb, the director of transport, said: 'The scheme already includes proposals for a 20mph speed limit in most of the central core of Lewes and it is proposed to extend it to include South Street, which would allow enforcement action to be undertaken to those who exceed the limit.'

Mr Clubb also said the layout of parking bays in South Street could also be altered to achieve traffic 'calming'.

But this would be likely to reduce the number of parking spaces in South Street.

Matthew Kent, a South Street resident who started the campaign, was thrilled the speed limit looked likely to be cut.

He will also be part of a consultation group which will talk to all of the other South Street residents about the changes.

Mr Kent said: 'It's fantastic that it's gone through so quickly.

'I'm going to work with the Highways Agency to make sure there is a full public consultation with people living in South Street.'