Safety on road near Worthing shops to be looked at following road rage incident

A road-rage incident has led to councillors calling for action over traffic in one of Worthing's busiest shopping areas.
Councillors Ed Crouch (left) and Beccy Cooper (inset) have promised to look at safety in the service roadCouncillors Ed Crouch (left) and Beccy Cooper (inset) have promised to look at safety in the service road
Councillors Ed Crouch (left) and Beccy Cooper (inset) have promised to look at safety in the service road

Paul Good, 33, of Belsize Road in Worthing, admitted shouting at a young mum after almost hitting her on a service road outside the Co-op in Goring Road.

He admitted threatening behaviour as well as criminal damage and was ordered to pay £1,072.58 and complete 60 hours of unpaid work.

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Two Worthing councillors have promised to look at the safety of the service road outside the supermarket, which had been a cause for concern among residents since long before this incident.

Councillors Ed Crouch (left) and Beccy Cooper (inset) have promised to look at safety in the service roadCouncillors Ed Crouch (left) and Beccy Cooper (inset) have promised to look at safety in the service road
Councillors Ed Crouch (left) and Beccy Cooper (inset) have promised to look at safety in the service road

Councillor Ed Crouch, who represents Marine ward where the road is, said: “I was shocked to hear of this case and will be writing to the cabinet member for highways at West Sussex

County Council to raise my concerns as to the safety of this service road.

“However no amount of traffic calming will prevent some motorists treating others with a careless disregard or indeed deliberate aggression as in this case.

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“There is no excuse for this type of aggressive behaviour and I hope this sentence sends a clear message that it will not be tolerated in our community.

Goring Road in Worthing. The service road being discussed can be seen on the left. Picture: Google Maps/Google StreetviewGoring Road in Worthing. The service road being discussed can be seen on the left. Picture: Google Maps/Google Streetview
Goring Road in Worthing. The service road being discussed can be seen on the left. Picture: Google Maps/Google Streetview

“We are looking at making improvements to the Goring Road shopping area and the service road in question has already been flagged as an opportunity, although ownership has to be confirmed.”

Labour councillor Beccy Cooper, also a ward councillor for Marine, said Paul Good’s behaviour in the incident was unacceptable.

She added: “The Goring Road shopping parade is a very busy centre with a main road running through it, and busy parking areas and a service road which is also used for parking. Road users need to be particularly aware of pedestrians crossing roads to access the shops.

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“I would encourage people to walk or cycle to the shops where possible, and when it’s necessary to use a car, reduce your speed and be particularly aware of all other road users, especially around the parking areas and the service road in front of the shops.”

Dr Cooper said that a number of local business owners had raised concerns with her about parking in and around the parade.

In response, she is planning to convene a Goring Road business forum to look at how businesses and the community can work together to ensure the continued success and safety of the area.

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