Our group IS concerned with safety on the A27

From: Oliver HarwoodOn behalf of SCATE East Sussex
A27 Lewes bypass SUS-150316-154927001A27 Lewes bypass SUS-150316-154927001
A27 Lewes bypass SUS-150316-154927001

May we, through your columns, respond to points made by Maria Caulfield MP for Lewes in your report “Protest over controversial plans for new dual carriageway between Lewes and Polegate” on June 24? click here to read

It is wrong to say that we are not concerned about the safety of the existing A27.

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Indeed we urge Highways England to take action to make it safer way before 2030 (the earliest Ms Caulfield’s solution can be delivered), by completing a separate cycle path between Lewes and Polegate; introducing more speed limits and traffic calming where necessary; and working with local residents and farmers to deliver safer crossings, access, exits and passing places where necessary. We also note that dual carriageways are not accident free. Ms Caulfield might like to consider the record of the A22 Hailsham by-pass, or the A27 beyond Polegate.

We are disappointed that Maria, who’s also a part-time shepherdess, finds it hard to drive behind tractors and the few HGVs on the A27 that clearly slow her up – but the solution is not a new £1bn four-lane highway.

The A27 between Lewes and Polegate is not a strategic east/west route. The vast majority of journeys are short trips by commuters. We urge Ms Caulfield to follow the priorities of Transport Secretary Grant Shapps: “We want public transport and active travel to be the natural first choice for our daily activities.” Let’s look at reducing pressure on the A27 through investment and improvements in rail and bus links; let’s build on the trend for working from home and online shopping; let’s plan coherently, to put jobs and housing together, rather than create new dormitory towns in the South Wealden Growth Area. Maybe Wealden District Council should consider relocating its headquarters to a town with a railway station.

We, and many others, are ready to work with all parties to improve the quality of life in East Sussex; we need to make decisions that are fully informed, and don’t cling to old solutions that simply generate more traffic travelling a handful of minutes faster between ever-growing jams in Lewes and Eastbourne.