Decision details

To consider a petition to install a pedestrian crossing and a 20mph speed limit between Lawes Avenue and Robinson Road, in Lewes Road, Newhaven.

19.1     The Lead Member considered a report by the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport together with written comments from Councillor Osborne, a Local Member.

19.2     Ms Vera Zakharov, the Lead Petitioner for the petition calling on the County Council to install a safe crossing point and a 20mph speed limit in Lewes Road, Newhaven spoke to highlight safety concerns for pedestrians including children crossing Lewes Road, the importance of reinforcing driver perception of Lewes Road being within a residential area and the geography of Lewes Road contributing to the factors that make it difficult for pedestrians to cross.

DECISIONS

19.3     The Lead Member RESOLVED to advise petitioners that:

(1) A potential scheme to install a pedestrian crossing and implement a 20mph speed limit with associated traffic calming in Lewes Road between Lawes Avenue and Robinson Road will be assessed for possible inclusion in the Capital Programme for Local Transport Improvements for 2026/27 and that petitioners will be advised of the outcome of this assessment when the results become available in early November 2025; and

(2) Petitioners may wish to consider setting up a Community Speedwatch Group for the area to carry out occasional speed checks.

REASONS

19.4     The Council has considered the petition calling on the County Council to install a pedestrian crossing and a 20mph speed limit between Lawes Avenue and Robinson Road, in Lewes Road, Newhaven.

19.5     In early November 2025 officers will advise petitioners if a potential scheme to install a pedestrian crossing and implement a 20mph speed limit with associated traffic calming in Lewes Road between Lawes Avenue and Robinson Road, has been progressed to detailed appraisal. It is important to note that progression to detailed appraisal does not guarantee inclusion in a future Capital Programme for Local Transport Improvements.

19.6     If petitioners wish to consider setting up a Community Speedwatch group for the area to carry out occasional speed checks, further details are available online via http://www.communityspeedwatch.co.uk/ or petitioners can contact the District Speedwatch Administrator at csw@sussex.pnn.police.uk.