Council confirms cyclist access to remain restricted in Eastbourne town centre under new order

An ETRO allows a local authority to temporarily test new traffic rules and receive public feedback before deciding whether to make any permanent changes.

As part of Phase 2b of the Eastbourne Town Centre Movement and Access Package, an ETRO has been implemented between Terminus Road and Victoria Place (between Trinity Trees and Grand Parade) which restricts vehicle access between 10am and 6am.

While this means vehicles are unable to be loaded or unloaded during these times, the order has also been applied to restrict cyclists’ access between Bolton Road and Langney Road.

Chair of Cycle East Sussex and member of Eastbourne’s Bespoke Cycle Group Paul Humphreys said the decision ‘disproportionately restricts the independence and mobility’ of cyclists.

He said: “For those who rely on heavy e-bikes for assistance, being forced to dismount and push them can be physically difficult or simply impractical, turning a supposedly accessible town centre into a barrier rather than a welcoming public space.”

ESCC said that the town centre scheme, which includes the ETRO, aimed to ‘encourage more visitors to the town centre, increase trade and boost the local economy’ through pedestrianisation.

A spokesperson for the council said: “We did consider maintaining access for cyclists but given the limited space in this area and safety concern for pedestrians, bikes will not be permitted in the area covered by the ETRO and cycle parking can be used by those visiting the town on bike.

“The purpose of the ETRO is to test different options to see if they are effective. The initial ETRO is expected to start later in September and will run for six months.

“During this time a formal consultation will take place to collect feedback, and this will be considered before the county council decides to make the arrangement permanent or make changes. Comments can be made via East Sussex - Citizen Space once the ETRO is in effect.”

And on other cycling routes across the town, they added: “Further cycling schemes and routes within the area are in development including the station to seafront cycle route (via the Devonshire Quarter) and the final phase of the Horsey Way cycle route which will run from Eastbourne station to Ringwood Road, where it will tie into the existing route.

“We have also recently carried out a feasibility study on options for the missing section of the seafront cycle route between Fishermen’s Green and the Wish Tower. Whilst we currently have no external funding for improvements on this section, it remains a priority route for future development, and we will continue to explore all options.”

Residents have until January 31, 2027 to give their feedback.