Plans To Cut Speed Limit Between Eastbourne And Pevensey Bay Set For Decision

County councillors will next week decide whether to lower the speed limit on part of the A259 between Eastbourne and Pevensey Bay.

At a meeting on Wednesday 15 October, East Sussex County Council’s Planning Committee will consider a proposal to reduce the limit from 50mph to 40mph along a 1.25km stretch — from just east of the Martello Roundabout to the entrance to Pevensey Bay.

The plan forms part of the council’s Speed Management Programme, which reviews limits on A and B roads across the county to make sure they’re appropriate and safe.

According to a council report, the section has been identified as a priority due to its accident record — with four serious or fatal collisions and six minor injury crashes reported over a three-year period.

During a recent public consultation, the proposal received strong local support.

Of 21 responses, 18 backed the change, while one objected over fears of congestion.

Two others felt the limit should be reduced even further to 30mph, and one suggested adding a pedestrian crossing.

Highways officers, however, say a 30mph limit would be “too low for the road environment” and unlikely to be followed by drivers.

They also say there’s no evidence a 40mph limit would increase congestion.

Suggestions for additional measures — such as traffic lights, crossings or vehicle-activated signs — were said to fall outside the scope of the current programme and would be significantly more costly.

If approved, the new 40mph speed limit could be introduced later this year.