TRAFFIC: Have A27 census points moved elsewhere?

At least two of the census points that caused delays for motorists yesterday do not appear to be in place today – but they could be elsewhere.
Yesterday's census on the westbound A27 at Lancing  Picture: Eddie MitchellYesterday's census on the westbound A27 at Lancing  Picture: Eddie Mitchell
Yesterday's census on the westbound A27 at Lancing Picture: Eddie Mitchell

There were reports last night that the tailback from the Lancing point – where the A27 was taken down to one lane with a 40mph limit – stretched back beyond the Southwick Tunnel.

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Twitter users reacted angrily to the decision to hold the census during rush hour. Martin Gander Tweeted: “Census on A27 going West at Lancing tail backs to Shoreham. What sense during rush hour ?”

And Adur Voluntary Action Tweeted: “Evening rush hour jam A27 from Brighton to Worthing heading west. Truly appalling. No need for a census to prove we have a traffic crisis?”

Commenting on the Worthing Herald article, registered user Des Doran said: “Does anybody realise what chaos was caused by this census? Did anyone in the planning department actually think that this census would cause massive traffic disruption on the A27 and many of the roads coming off the “A27? It would be very useful for someone with greater calculation skills than me to actually calculate the cost to business of this census.

The census points were in place to gather information on journeys made by car and good vehicle drivers to help decision-making on planned improvements to the A27 at Arundel and through Worthing and Lancing.

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Stuart Miller, of Highways England, explained the survey was being carried out in rush-hour to help build accurate data. He said: “We do understand this may cause some delays to some drivers, but the overall benefits will outweigh this over time. If someone is asked to pull over by a police officer they will have to, but they do not have to take part in the survey.” Mr Miller added surveys would be held for the next two weeks – in different locations which will not be revealed in advance.

While queues on the A283 were nowhere near as bad as those on the A27 last night, traffic was increased following an oil spill on the A24 at Washington, with drivers diverted.

• Have you seen a census point this morning? Let us know – Tweet @worthing_herald or comment below.

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