Offham Road (A2029) is a major route into Lewes, carrying significant volumes of traffic throughout the day, especially during school commuting hours.
There is no formal crossing point by the 'piggy steps' section regularly used by school children.
Children and parents are often required to cross between moving traffic, creating an ongoing risk of accidents and near-misses, as demonstrated by this recent Facebook post and subsequent comments: https://www.facebook.com/groups/15113387764/permalink/10161608636792765/ .
Current Issues
Traffic speed and volume: Despite being within a 40mph limit, vehicles frequently approach at higher speeds, especially when entering or exiting Lewes at the same time children and parents are making their way to and from school.
Visibility: Offham Road bends so sightlines for both drivers and pedestrians are restricted.
Safety concerns: Parents, teachers, and residents have raised repeated concerns about the danger children face when crossing. Some families are choosing longer walking routes or resorting to driving short distances to avoid the hazard, increasing local congestion.
Benefits of Installing a Crossing
Safety: A formal crossing will significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
Encouragement of walking: Safer routes will encourage more families to walk or cycle, improving health and reducing traffic congestion and emissions.
Community reassurance: Providing a secure crossing point demonstrates the Council’s commitment to child safety and sustainable travel.
Traffic management: While the speed limit on Offham Road drops to 30mph as it passes Hill Road into town, many drivers maintain speeds greater than 30mph, all the way until the speed limit drops to 20mph. A crossing here would also act as a natural traffic-calming measure, slowing vehicles entering the town.
Recommended Solution
We request that East Sussex County Council commissions a feasibility study and implements one of the following suitable crossing types at the most appropriate location:
Zebra crossing (cost-effective, highly visible, appropriate for school zones).
Pelican or Puffin crossing (signal-controlled, suitable for higher traffic volumes).
School crossing patrol (lollipop person) in addition to infrastructure, particularly at peak times.
Reduce car speed limits to 30mph along this road, approve and fund the installation of Radar Activated Speed Signs and a crossing island to allow children and parents to cross safely.
Community Support
Local residents, parents, and school representatives strongly support this measure.
Initial discussions indicate broad agreement that a crossing is urgently required.
Conclusion
The lack of a safe crossing on Offham Road poses a daily risk to children and families. Installing a pedestrian crossing will reduce danger, encourage sustainable travel, and improve the wellbeing of the community.
This ePetition runs from 12/09/2025 to 31/03/2026.
175 people have signed this ePetition.