Anger over traffic calming

TEMPERS flared at a meeting to discuss controversial traffic calming measures in Peacehaven.

A crowd of more than 150 gathered to vent their anger at the series of road build-outs and bumps installed to slow traffic around the town's schools.

Most people backed the idea of the Safe Route to School Scheme, but complained that due to insufficient consultation roads were now even more dangerous and gridlocked at rush hour.

The meeting, organised by Peacehaven and District Residents' Association at the Meridian Centre on Friday, was chaired by Don Burrell, of Rodmell Avenue, East Saltdean.

He said: 'It was quite a lively meeting. There was a lot of irate shouting about the way traffic calming caused more problems than it cured and how it was a pity the council did not consult with people in the area.'

Problem

East Sussex County Council member for Peacehaven John Livings said the scheme was designed to slow traffic and, as a result, would annoy some.

He added: 'Everybody I speak to is in favour of the traffic calming, but the build-outs are a major problem as two or three are built too close to crossroads.'

He said the entire scheme would be subject to a six month safety test on its completion at the end of May and all comments made at the meeting would be considered by the council and its traffic consultants Aspen Lewis.

But Doug Lawrence, from Rodmell Avenue, East Saltdean, was not impressed. 'A young mother said after teaching her children road safety they could not apply this to roads in Peacehaven as the vehicles were coming from all directions and she was very worried that a child would be killed.

'We must place the blame firmly at East Sussex County Council's door for implementing a scheme that is unworkable,' he said