Revised Bus Lane Plans Near Eastbourne Station Back Before Councillors

Plans for a new bus lane outside Eastbourne railway station are set to return to East Sussex County Council’s planning committee next Wednesday (10 December), after being delayed to consider alternative proposals.

The Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) forms part of the council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan and includes a proposed eastbound bus lane along Upperton Road and Station Parade, between Wharf Road and the station.

The scheme was previously paused in October after concerns were raised by The Enterprise Shopping Centre, whose entrance sits within the affected stretch.

The centre warned the original design — which would require vehicles to turn across a short gap in the bus lane — could create congestion and safety risks.

The shopping centre has since suggested its own alternative, which keeps the current road layout and removes the bus lane altogether.

It also proposes keeping the existing staggered pedestrian crossing and extending the station bus stop to fit two buses.

However, council officers say the plan would not meet accessibility standards and could increase the risk of collisions and delays.

Instead, officers are recommending a modified version of the council’s original design.

It would still introduce the new bus lane and upgrade traffic light timings, but would retain the staggered crossing and allow right-turn access into the Enterprise Centre from Station Parade.

The revised proposal is described as offering the best balance between improving bus reliability and minimising disruption to other road users.

Councillors will decide next week whether to approve the updated scheme and proceed with the TRO.