A multi-agency taskforce will be established in Eastbourne to improve road safety after a meeting between the town’s MP and the chief of Sussex Police.

Josh Babarinde recently met with Chief Constable Jo Shiner at Beachy Head to discuss campaigns aimed at tackling dangerous driving and improving road safety.

Mr Babarinde said the taskforce will include the police, local authority, community groups and other key stakeholders ‘to collectively push for road safety improvements across the area’.

The meeting took place at Beachy Head after 17-year-old Oakley Meer died and three other people were seriously injured in a collision in Beachy Head Road in June 2026.

The South Downs/Beachy Head, with Belle Tout Lighthouse in the background. Photo: JL

placeholder image — The South Downs/Beachy Head, with Belle Tout Lighthouse in the background. Photo: JL

His family started a petition asking for ‘urgent action’ to be taken to make the road safe. You can view the petition at https://c.org/yK2wzGB29K.

Mr Babarinde thanked Sussex Police for their ‘continued cooperation’ in a Facebook post.

He said: “Despite the immense pressures they are facing, they have committed additional resources to the area since the tragic accident in June, including marked and unmarked police vehicles and a speed camera van.

“This has allowed them to increase enforcement around the existing PSPO and issue more Section 59 warnings to drivers who exhibit careless or inconsiderate driving.

“I also want to thank the Beachy Head Chaplaincy for hosting the meeting. Anti-social driving continues to undermine their incredible work up at Beachy Head.”

Mr Babarinde confirmed he will meet with Roads Minister Justin Madders to discuss whether the government can introduce special measures to make roads safer.

The MP is also ‘continuing to push’ East Sussex County Council to expedite a comprehensive review of ‘high-risk roads’.