Misery of traffic congestion

With two schools already in the area and the opening of the new Bexhill College last autumn, residents have seen unprecedented levels of congestion particularly at the peak school run period.

Councillor Eric Armstrong who represents the Old Town ward which covers the area says he has been contacted by quite a few residents voicing their concerns.

Although there was a high level of traffic and parking when the Observer took these photographs on Wednesday morning, the main problem seemed to be cars using the pavement for parking.

At least two dozens cars had two wheels on pavements and there were several incidences of cars blocking the bus stops.

One mother, with a child on board sticker in her window, left her car on double yellow lines before the traffic lights to walk two girls to St Mary Magdalene School. It was a fine day and there was ample legal spaces just yards away.

Cllr Armstrong said he hoped by highlighting the problem again, it might make people think more considerately where they parked. He said the residents in Hastings Road were happy to have yellow lines down the length of the road but unless the restrictions were enforced, it would not achieve anything.

"When cars park on both sides of the road, it makes life very difficult for the residents."

He hoped by raising the issue, it would get everyone working on a solution.