Issue - decisions

54.1     The Lead Member considered a report by the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport.

54.2     Ms Carla Foster, a representative of the petition calling on the County Council to implement traffic calming measures on Beachy Head Road spoke to highlight safety concerns for road users and pedestrians who use Beachy Head Road and the impact of a fatality on Beachy Head Road.

DECISIONS

54.3     The Lead Member RESOLVED to advise petitioners that:

(1) Speed data gathered has shown that the vast majority of drivers are travelling at an appropriate speed for the conditions of the road and the environment through which it passes. For the reasons set out in paragraphs 2.2 and 2.3 of the report, Beachy Head Road does not meet East Sussex County Council’s policy criteria for a lower speed limit;

(2) The road safety assessment of Beachy Head Road has concluded that the only highway measures that would potentially reduce the speed of the small number who drive in a dangerous or anti-social manner would be the widespread introduction of road narrowings and road humps. However, these measures would likely be ineffective due to the topography of the road and would have significant impact on emergency services vehicles and bus/coach services. For these reasons a street lighting and traffic calming scheme for Beachy Head Road is not appropriate;

(3) A traffic sign and road marking enhancement scheme which will highlight the areas of the road where extra caution is needed will be taken forward and implemented in 2025/26 financial year; and

(4) Concerns about vehicle speeds and driver behaviour has been shared with Sussex Police to enable continued targeted enforcement.

REASONS

54.4     The setting of appropriate and effective speed limits has been subject to a significant level of research. It is important drivers are provided with a consistent message, so they know what is expected of them as they enter different road environments. A predominant factor considered when determining an effective speed limit is the number of properties that are visible to drivers. Due to the very limited frontage development and local characteristics, Beachy Head Road does not meet the Council’s policy requirements for a lower speed limit; therefore, the national speed limit applies. Whilst it is subject to the national speed limit, the onus is on the individual driver to drive in a safe and judicious manner, and to the conditions of the road and the surroundings through which they pass. It is recognised nationally that most drivers will travel at the speed they consider to be safe for the conditions of the road, and this is reflected in the speed data that has been collected. The vast majority of drivers using Beachy Head Road are choosing to travel at a speed far below the national speed limit.

54.5     The road safety assessment of Beachy Head Road has concluded that the only highway measures that would potentially reduce the speed of the small number who drive in a dangerous or anti-social manner would be the widespread introduction of road narrowings and road humps. However, these measures would likely be ineffective due to the topography of the road and would have a significant impact on emergency services vehicles and bus/coach services. In addition, the proposed scheme would likely be opposed due to the location, the need to introduce extensive street lighting and the impact on drivers. For these reasons, a street lighting and traffic calming scheme for Beachy Head Road is not appropriate.

54.6     While Beachy Head Road does not meet the Council’s policy criteria for a reduced speed limit and a traffic calming scheme would not be appropriate, the Road Safety Team will be implementing a traffic sign and road marking improvement scheme in the new financial year. Enhancements to traffic signs, hazard marker posts and road markings will help to delineate the bends and make the road layout clearer for drivers, to aid them as they travel through the area.