No plans for a parking review on danger road

In an email responding to concerns raised by residents and motorists, East Sussex County Council Highways Authority says it has ‘no short/medium plans’ to review parking in North Trade Road.

Mum Yvonne Clarke began campaigning for improved safety measures on the road after she was clipped by a lorry, which had mounted the kerb trying to get past traffic and parked cars.

The incident, in May 2010, left Yvonne’s hand in plaster.

Following her campaign, ESCC agreed to a number of safety measures on the stretch between Wellington Gardens and the police station, including raised pavements, higher kerbstones, bollards and partial double yellow lines.

But campaigners say cars parking near the police station are causing fresh problems.

Reported incidents include a woman with learning difficulties who was almost struck by a bus and an elderly man on a mobility scooter who had a near-miss with a lorry.

Both vehicles had mounted the pavement.

A spokesperson from ESCC said: “When determining the extent of double yellow lines along North Trade Road, it was important to take into account the strong local feeling that the loss of any on-street parking in a busy town such as Battle would not be met favourably as there are so many competing demands for the limited road space.

“We were also aware of concerns raised about vehicle speeds along North Trade Road so we had to ensure any removal of on-street parking was kept to a minimum to ensure the traffic calming effect of parked vehicles was not diminished.

“Since the double yellow lines have gone in we have been made aware that some vehicles have taken to parking on the section of North Trade Road in the vicinity of the police station which is causing delays at peak times.

“There is a lengthy legal process which we have to go through before parking restrictions can be introduced and as we have just recently completed a review of parking in Battle there are no short/medium plans to undertake another one.

“I am therefore unable to consider further parking restrictions at the present time.”