‘Unacceptable’ anti-social driving tackled on one of UK’s most dangerous roads in Duncton

In a bid to tackle anti-social driving through the village on the A285, members of the community have been teaming up to show speeding motorists ‘people are watching them’.

Duncton parish councillor Peter Thomas said: “The A285 is a fairly busy road and we have particular problems with motorcycles at the weekends and some of them don’t stick to the speed limit.

“We have put together a speed watch group.

“During the lockdown we didn’t do it at all but with restrictions easing we now do it once a week for two or three hours.

“It gives drivers and awareness that there are limits and that people are watching them.

“If we do nothing the traffic just goes through but when we are there it really slows down.”

After the group’s first session on April 9, 12 per cent of motorists recorded were over the speed limit with some clocked at up to 46mph in the 30mph zone.

Cllr Thomas added: “I think it is unacceptable.

“The police are working on their Operation Downsway and over the last month or so there has been great presence from police.”

The group reports back to Speedwatch and a number of drivers have already received warnings and letters from Sussex Police.

The Road Safety Foundation named the A285 between Halnaker and Petworth as one of the most dangerous roads in the country.

Duncton Speedwatch currently has eight volunteers but is ‘always looking for more people’.

Anyone looking to get involved should email [email protected]

The South Downs Safer Roads Group has said it is working hard ‘behind the scenes’ too, and has been supported by parish, district and county councillors, MPs and Sussex Police.

Parish councils across the area are now being asked to notify the South Downs Safer Roads group if they identify stretches of road where safety is a concern.