Norman Baker MP Member of Parliament for Lewes constituency

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2003 (and previous) press releases

Safety Improvements on the Way for A27

The Highways Agency has promised to introduce safety improvements to the A27 Lewes-Polegate road. The news came in a phone call between Ing Fischer of the Agency, and local Norman Baker MP. The MP has been pressing the Agency for action along the route.

The package includes:

• Introduction of a lower speed limit, probably 40 or 50, down Ranscombe Hill to the Beddingham level crossing, reinforced by a new fixed speed camera
• Deployment of a mobile speed camera to cover the Firle Straight, reinforced by fixed signs warning of these
• Erection of a new fixed camera in Selmeston to enforce the existing 40 mph limit, introduced following representations by the MP

The package is a short-term one. Agents have been appointed by the Agency to look at the section between Beddingham and Polegate to come up with fuller measures, consistent with the need to protect the environment. They are due to report next summer.

In the immediate future, single-way working is to be introduced for a period of two weeks on the stretch between Wilmington and Berwick. The entire road is having to be reconstructed because of subsidence due to rabbits!

Norman Baker says: "I am pleased that the Agency has responded positively to my calls for safety improvements to the present road. I am quite sure that the provision of cameras will change driver behaviour and help reduce the accident risk. Of course these measures are only short-term and I await with interest the findings of the Agency's consultants."

· A fixed camera is also to be erected on the A27 at the Ashcombe roundabout in Kingston.