Drivers 'putting people's lives at risk' by using Hastings pedestrian area as short cut, say police

Police were in Courthouse Street last week as part of a clampdown on the problem, which they said had been highlighted by a number of residents.

Police said a number of tickets were issued to motorists who were caught cutting through the area, with one vehicle seized by officers.

On the Observer’s Facebook page, readers said the problem had been going on for some time and called for action to be taken. They also said the same problem was happening in the town centre.

Allan Ball said: “Been cutting down there for years. Mainly due to irresponsible parking on the high street. I just can get a delivery truck through sometimes.”

Jim Archer said better signage would help solve the problem.

Lee Griffin said: “Put retractable posts in. That will stop them.”

Brad Jarvis agreed and said: “(It’s) been happening for years. They should have posts there.”

Hannah Glisson said: “It's not just the Old Town, it's also the pedestrian area in the town centre. They drive wherever they please, especially the delivery drivers in cars and mopeds.”

Mark Thomas said: “Delivery drivers using town pedestrianised area is a dangerous joke too. And parking on Queens Road outside takeaways. Why is this acceptable? Blocks the traffic flow.”

Hastings Police said on its Facebook page: “After requests from residents, we spent an hour down on Courthouse Street, Old Town, Hastings. Courthouse Street is a pedestrian only zone yet is seemingly being used as a short cut by motorists.

“In the space of one hour, we issued seven traffic tickets and seized one vehicle after giving the driver a summons to court for driving without a licence.

“Vehicles using Courthouse Street as a short cut are not only breaking the law, but they are also putting pedestrians’ lives at risk.

“We would like to remind motorists that Courthouse Street is pedestrian only and we will continue to prosecute anyone seen driving there.

“An alternative route is to continue on the High Street or take Roebuck Street to rejoin the A259.”

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