Speed Limit To Be Lowered Between Eastbourne And Pevensey Bay

Plans to reduce the speed limit on part of the A259 between Eastbourne and Pevensey Bay have been approved by East Sussex County councillors.

At a meeting on Wednesday (October 15), the council’s planning committee agreed to introduce a new 40mph limit on a 1.25km stretch of road, from the east of the Martello Roundabout to the entrance to Pevensey Bay. The area is currently limited to 50mph.

The change comes under the council’s Speed Management Programme, which reviews speed limits on A and B roads across the county.

The A259 section was identified as a priority after four serious or fatal crashes and six minor injury collisions were recorded there over a three-year period.

The proposal received broad public support during consultation, with 18 out of 21 responses in favour. One objection raised concerns about possible congestion, while two others suggested the limit should be reduced further to 30mph.

Councillor Tom Liddiard, who represents Pevensey and Stone Cross, welcomed the move, saying it was “a very positive step in the right direction” but added he would still like to see lower limits through Pevensey Bay in the future.

Council officers said lowering the speed limit to 30mph would not be effective for the road environment and was unlikely to be followed by drivers.

They also confirmed there was no evidence that a 40mph limit would increase congestion.

Additional measures such as pedestrian crossings or vehicle-activated signs were not included in the current programme due to their higher costs, officers said.