Norman Baker MP Member of Parliament for Lewes constituency
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Norman Baker,
23 East Street,
Lewes,
East Sussex,
BN7 2LJ.
Tel: (01273) 480281.
Fax: (01273) 480287.
Email: info
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2003 (and previous) press releases
Local MP Drives Home the Importance of Road Safety
Norman Baker, the Lib Dem MP for Lewes, has welcomed the Department of Transport's decision to produce plans to tackle the current safety problems on the A27 between Beddingham and Polegate.
In questions put to The Secretary of State for Transport, Alistair Darling, earlier this week Mr Baker asked the government to indicate the timescale involved in the redesign of the A27 Southerham-Beddingham scheme and pushed for the scheme to include a safety review of the stretch between Beddingham and Polegate. A safety review will now be included as part of the Highways Agency's work on the South Coast Multi-Modal Study.
Speaking about the situation, Norman Baker said:
"I am pleased that the government has responded to my calls for a safety review of the A27 between Beddingham and Polegate. It muct be possible to tackle the genuine safety issues that exist without recourse to an environmentally destructive dual carriageway parallel to the existing road.
I have long campaigned for safety improvements to this stretch of road and have helped introduce a number of features that have already assisted in the reduction of the number of accidents. These include the two-way traffic signs just east of Southerham; the ban on right turns at Ranscombe Lane; CCTV cameras at the level crossing; the lay-out of the A26 roundabout; central islands at Glynde, Tollgate, Firle and the Ripe turn-off; and the 40mph limit through Selmeston.
There is still, however, an urgent need for safety improvements along the road. We must remove the dangerous bend at Selmeston and, most importantly, we need to curb speed along the road, especially along the Firle Straight where the accident rate is unacceptably high. I welcome the safety review as an opportunity to address these issues that are of great importance not only to my constituents, but all motorists using the A27."
Answers to Written Parliamentary Questions
9 Sept 2003 : Column 331W-continued
A27
Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether it is his intention to undertake a safety review of the A27 between Beddingham and Polegate with a view to identifying on-line safety improvements.
[127218] 9 Sept 2003 : Column 332W
Mr. Jamieson: The Secretary of State announced on 9 July 2003 that the bypasses of Selmeston and Wilmington proposed by the south coast multi-modal study (SoCoMMS) were not acceptable in the form proposed. Therefore, he asked the Highways Agency to work with local authorities and statutory environmental bodies to identify less damaging options, including management measures that reduce the need for major road construction, and report back. The Agency will be looking at the current problems and safety issues on the existing road between Beddingham and Polegate as part of this work.
Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what timescale will apply to the redesign of the A27 Southerham-Beddingham scheme; what public consultation process will apply to the redesigned scheme; and if he will make a statement.
[127219]
Mr. Jamieson: The Highways Agency will provide further advice on a redesigned scheme in October 2003. In the light of that advice, a recommendation will be announced together with arrangements for consultation.