With the lighter days and drier roads, I am pleased that the Sussex Police ‘Operation Downsway’ is back for 2023 to target those who use our West Sussex rural roads in an anti-social and dangerous manner. Every weekend between April and September officers from across the force will take part in the dedicated operation with marked and unmarked patrol cars as well as speed camera vans focussing on routes such as the A29 around the Bury Hill area, the A272, the A283 and the routes to and from Goodwood on event days. Tragically, data for 2019 showed that the number killed and seriously injured in West Sussex was almost twice the rate of neighbouring Hampshire. Speed kills.
I am pleased to hear that in Pulborough, following negotiations with the landowners, action has been taken by West Sussex County Council to commence work in reopening the A29 at Church Lane following a landslide. In the first instance, the road will be opened ‘as normal’ from North to South. I entirely understand the frustrations of local residents about this closure and the consequences for those living near routes used as diversions or running local businesses. Whilst this is not the final-step in resolving this situation, it will certainly go some way in taking the pressure off of local roads and ease residents journeys.
Finally, to another stretch of the A29 last Thursday evening where I joined the National Park Authority, County and District Councillors and Sussex Police Commissioner, Katy Bourne, to discuss how to make the road at Bury more in keeping with this beautiful village location. A committee of residents presented some excellent improvement ideas including for the current hair-raising point at which South Downs Way walkers have to cross fast moving 50 mph traffic. Their plans certainly have my support.
