Your Argus
TEXT your pictures, videos and messages to 80360. Start your message with SUPIC or email your tip-offs »
Lights and bus lane cause roads chaos
6:00am Friday 25th July 2008
Comments (80)
By Andy Whelan »
A controversial new road scheme aimed at reducing congestion has created huge tailbacks and more than doubled commuting time.
The three mile bus lane on the A259 South Coast Road between Ovingdean and Telscombe Cliffs was opened on Monday but has caused traffic chaos and left motorists fuming.
And East Sussex County Council bosses tonight apologised to commuters and promised to take action to ease congestion on the route.
The new bus lane has taken up part of the road and traffic lights have replaced a mini roundabout at the junction of Longridge Avenue, Saltdean, and South Coast Road.
The scheme was expect to cut rush hour bus journeys but Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company managing director Roger French said it has instead added 45 minutes to some journeys.
Mr French said traffic was grinding to a halt because of the traffic lights and has called for the return of the mini roundabout.
The changes were introduced as part of a £1.8 million Sustainable Corridor scheme which will eventually see a bus lane between Brighton and Hove and Newhaven.
Your Say YourArgus
Deller, Saltdean says...
10:54pm Thu 24 Jul 08
I thought it was bad enough having to pay rip off prices for petrol and road tax but now the motorists of East Sussex are being forced to endure a new road layout from Peacehaven to Rottingdean that was obviously designed by a 5 yr old! Why oh why did they think that putting traffic lights at the bottom of Longridge Ave would ease congestion, its a disaster with huge traffic jams at peak times, for gods sake put the mini roundabout back. I do hope that the powers that be realise what a huge mess they have made of this and do something to put it right. Money well spent, I DONT THINK SO!!!
Bristol VR, Portslade says...
12:00am Fri 25 Jul 08
Well there you have it!This is the same East Sussex County Council who loves to scupper anything that is sensible and forward looking when it comes to transport. The south Coast road is a disaster area and they say that the Uckfield Lewes Rail link is not viable! Come on ESCC get a grip.. this county is grinding to a halt because of your inactive and blinkered transport policies!
S.T. Rewth, Brighton says...
5:46am Fri 25 Jul 08
The whole scheme was unworkable from the start. Now you have longer delays, increased danger of an accident and a road surface that is third rate in places.
All this was planned?
I suggest ESCC get some new planners with some common sense.
All this was planned?
I suggest ESCC get some new planners with some common sense.
whatithink, Brighton says...
7:26am Fri 25 Jul 08
I just knew this would never work. I used that road daily while they were doing the work, and just the roadworks caused enormous traffic problems.
What muppet thought that there needed to be a dedicated bus lane anyway? There's probably about 1 bus to every 1000 other vehicles, so a 5 year old could work out that there's no need to dedicate a whole lane just for buses.
Just crazy. And the irony is thst it's made the bus journey LONGER!!
Someone should lose their job over this.
What muppet thought that there needed to be a dedicated bus lane anyway? There's probably about 1 bus to every 1000 other vehicles, so a 5 year old could work out that there's no need to dedicate a whole lane just for buses.
Just crazy. And the irony is thst it's made the bus journey LONGER!!
Someone should lose their job over this.
JohnRebus, Saltdean says...
8:08am Fri 25 Jul 08
The whole scheme has been a shambles from the start - temp traffic lights being left in use over night resulting in the police getting involved - no road marking for 4 weeks - the current condition of the road - and the list goes on.
Roger French wants the lights removed and the roundabout re-instated at the bottom of Longridge he should also consider stopping the lights being installed at the Texoco garage roundabout.
The lights at Longridge were swithed on last Friday and my bus journey home took 25 mins longer than normal. I recently purchased a annual bus ticket because according to Roger French the busses would glide through the traffic - well how wrong he is and now i wish I had not bothered with the bus pass!!!!
Roger French wants the lights removed and the roundabout re-instated at the bottom of Longridge he should also consider stopping the lights being installed at the Texoco garage roundabout.
The lights at Longridge were swithed on last Friday and my bus journey home took 25 mins longer than normal. I recently purchased a annual bus ticket because according to Roger French the busses would glide through the traffic - well how wrong he is and now i wish I had not bothered with the bus pass!!!!
usher44, Saltdean says...
8:25am Fri 25 Jul 08
If the object of these road modifications was to assist the passage of buses, it has failed. If it was to reduce carbon emissions, it has spectacularly failed. If it was intended to bring disruption to the coast road, it has succeeded beyond the wildest dreams of the planners. If it was designed to force more car drivers to get a bus then only time will tell. Personally I would prefer to wait in a traffic jam in an air conditioned car listening to the radio in comfort, than be in the same traffic jam in a bus.
But I expect the planners will say "there are a few teething problems" don't expect them to admit the whole concept is fundamentally flawed and the implementation a disaster.
When the roadworks for this project never achieved this amount of jam (except on one occasion) it has to be a first that the "improvement" is worse than the roadworks !
But I expect the planners will say "there are a few teething problems" don't expect them to admit the whole concept is fundamentally flawed and the implementation a disaster.
When the roadworks for this project never achieved this amount of jam (except on one occasion) it has to be a first that the "improvement" is worse than the roadworks !
D R, Sussex says...
8:27am Fri 25 Jul 08
**************
The roundabout at Longridge should be reinstated. The Bus lane could still be dedicated at this junction.
Also, most drivers and bus passengers will have noticed that the smoothest, quickest, journeys were also when the lights at Rottingdean were out completely.
One of the other troubles we now have is that the roads are a little lighter due to the kids breaking up, so any review, etc, is going to be masking the true extent of the problem and will no doubt leave officials saying the problem isn't as bad as first thought.
Far from being environmentally sound, this scheme has just resulted in more slow-rolling traffic emitting fumes unnecessarily.
I know a lot of money has been spent on this, but I think someone brave should come forward from the councils, swallow some pride, and admit that mistakes have been made
**************
The roundabout at Longridge should be reinstated. The Bus lane could still be dedicated at this junction.
Also, most drivers and bus passengers will have noticed that the smoothest, quickest, journeys were also when the lights at Rottingdean were out completely.
One of the other troubles we now have is that the roads are a little lighter due to the kids breaking up, so any review, etc, is going to be masking the true extent of the problem and will no doubt leave officials saying the problem isn't as bad as first thought.
Far from being environmentally sound, this scheme has just resulted in more slow-rolling traffic emitting fumes unnecessarily.
I know a lot of money has been spent on this, but I think someone brave should come forward from the councils, swallow some pride, and admit that mistakes have been made
**************
King from Hove, Hove says...
8:29am Fri 25 Jul 08
The planners responsible should be sacked immediately or demoted as they haven't a clue about road planning.The A259 will go down in history as one of the most dangerous roads in Britain.Head on collisions will be inevitable.Journey times have doubled.Semi redundant bus lane.Once quiet lanes in Ovingdean will now be used as an alternative route.If this what being Green and being forced to use public transport is about then I am not interested in the slightest.Shame on the COUNCIL!!
davyboy, abingdon, oxon says...
8:31am Fri 25 Jul 08
you cant blame the bus company for the councils ineptitude. traffic lights cause chaos wherever they are put. there was an exercise in holland/belgium some years ago where they removed all traffic lights and traffic flowed much better and accidents were cut. this was all because everyone was more careful . no-one was trying to jump red lights, and everyone was more courteous, something drivers have forgotten in this country. strage how the bus company gets blamed for everything. instead of sitting in the jams which you have caused, get on the bus instead, and take some cars off the roads. 1 person per car is such a selfish way to travel.
JohnRebus, Saltdean says...
8:39am Fri 25 Jul 08
davyboy wrote:you do live along the south coast? / do you travel bewteen Newhaven and Brighton each day? I bet is the answer is no (abingdon?). The issue here all about the SERIOUS CONGESTION created by the introduction of lights and bus lanes - if you read the article you will see even the boss of the bus company is asking for the lights to be removed.
you cant blame the bus company for the councils ineptitude. traffic lights cause chaos wherever they are put. there was an exercise in holland/belgium some years ago where they removed all traffic lights and traffic flowed much better and accidents were cut. this was all because everyone was more careful . no-one was trying to jump red lights, and everyone was more courteous, something drivers have forgotten in this country. strage how the bus company gets blamed for everything. instead of sitting in the jams which you have caused, get on the bus instead, and take some cars off the roads. 1 person per car is such a selfish way to travel.
sdcrane, Slough-Vegas on Sea says...
9:34am Fri 25 Jul 08
In what way does have hundreds of cars and bus sitting in a queue for traffic lights 4 miles away, constitute sustainable transport?
In what way does having cars cut through a small village to avoid aforementioned traffic jam a good idea?
The continual reducing of traffic capacity on the roads, by removing lanes, installing pointless traffic lights, having bus stops in the middle of the road and islands popping up all over the place, do nothing to help the environment. They create congestion and increases pollution, pure and simple.
By all means have bus lanes and cycle lane, but not to the detriment to those of us who can't use them to do our everyday jobs and try to make a living.
But the council have apologised, so that's OK. I feel so much happier now. If I was that incompetent in my job I'd get fired, in local government it seems you get promoted.
In what way does having cars cut through a small village to avoid aforementioned traffic jam a good idea?
The continual reducing of traffic capacity on the roads, by removing lanes, installing pointless traffic lights, having bus stops in the middle of the road and islands popping up all over the place, do nothing to help the environment. They create congestion and increases pollution, pure and simple.
By all means have bus lanes and cycle lane, but not to the detriment to those of us who can't use them to do our everyday jobs and try to make a living.
But the council have apologised, so that's OK. I feel so much happier now. If I was that incompetent in my job I'd get fired, in local government it seems you get promoted.
Jayne, Brighton says...
9:40am Fri 25 Jul 08
Frenchie wanted this bus lane and he is now reaping the seeds he has sown, delays for his beloved buses.
I do hope on his slow drive home to Ovingdean in his gas guzzling Audi he sits in the jam and contemplates how his desire for this bus lane has made so many peoples lives a misery!
I do hope on his slow drive home to Ovingdean in his gas guzzling Audi he sits in the jam and contemplates how his desire for this bus lane has made so many peoples lives a misery!
whatithink, Brighton says...
10:15am Fri 25 Jul 08
If there was a genuine will to ease congestion, and to make the bus journey to Newhaven faster at all times of day, and to lessen pollution, there is only one way to do this.
Extend the dual carriageway from where it ends just before Rottingdean all the way into Newhaven. The journey time would be halved, people wouldn't have to take shortcuts through picturesque villages, and the only people that may have to pay a price are those that live alongside the road. Everyone else would benefit.
But I don't think this is ever going to happen, do you?
Extend the dual carriageway from where it ends just before Rottingdean all the way into Newhaven. The journey time would be halved, people wouldn't have to take shortcuts through picturesque villages, and the only people that may have to pay a price are those that live alongside the road. Everyone else would benefit.
But I don't think this is ever going to happen, do you?
Loopyloo, Telscombe Cliffs says...
10:50am Fri 25 Jul 08
I went to the original exhibition at Telscombe Civic Centre of the proposed massacre of the South Coast Road. Anybody who regularly uses the road could see then that the bus lane idea wouldn't ease congestion since it is the width of the road at the Rottingdean lights, with buses taking up 2 lanes of traffic on the bend, that causes the hold ups. The ONLY options would have been to either stop right-turns at the lights into Rottingdean for all traffic (unworkable),or to widen the 2 lanes before the lights. It was always the case, and still is, that when traffic is queuing at the junction to turn into Rottingdean, buses travelling straight on cannot get around the bend, resulting in tailbacks.
In the evenings the tailbacks in the opposite direction were caused by the 2 lanes after the Rottingdean lights merging into 1, no-body wanting to give way to those racing up the outside lane in an attempt to beat the queue. Although this 2nd lane has now been removed there is still the problem of buses causing holdups due to bus stops - no-where to go in order to get round them other than straight into oncoming traffic. Add to that the ridiculous traffic lights at Saltdean - perhaps these are necessary in the morning, but definitely not in the evening rush hour. All in all....a total and utter, prize winning **** Up. I'm moving!
In the evenings the tailbacks in the opposite direction were caused by the 2 lanes after the Rottingdean lights merging into 1, no-body wanting to give way to those racing up the outside lane in an attempt to beat the queue. Although this 2nd lane has now been removed there is still the problem of buses causing holdups due to bus stops - no-where to go in order to get round them other than straight into oncoming traffic. Add to that the ridiculous traffic lights at Saltdean - perhaps these are necessary in the morning, but definitely not in the evening rush hour. All in all....a total and utter, prize winning **** Up. I'm moving!
woundup, peacehaven says...
10:55am Fri 25 Jul 08
What imbecile ever thought that that the new road layout was ever!!! going to be a good idea ?????? Reducing an already congested area to one lane of traffic , causing more disruption than ever sitting in gridlock for an unnesessary amount of time !!!!!!
and the poor bus driver's! a scheme supposedly ment to make their life easier has been completely ill thought out !!!
Someone need's to pull their finger out !!! and quickly .
and the poor bus driver's! a scheme supposedly ment to make their life easier has been completely ill thought out !!!
Someone need's to pull their finger out !!! and quickly .
Mat, Saltdean says...
10:59am Fri 25 Jul 08
Two problems I see as I sit every day, and contemplate the miserable journey home from Brighton to Saltdean on the bus in the huge tailbacks from Rottingdean to Roedean school.
1 - two lanes of traffic are trying to merge to one after the Ovingdean roundabout. SLOW SLOW SLOW
2 - people will not and can not get out of their car and get on the bus because the buses are completely full - at the moment, overseas language students cram the bus to capacity, so oridnary people cannot get on. I have seen a driver have to stop the bus several times to stop people standing on the top deck, which is not permitted.
When the new lights at Rottingdean are unveiled (they have been under orange covers for the last 2 months), will this help matters?
1 - two lanes of traffic are trying to merge to one after the Ovingdean roundabout. SLOW SLOW SLOW
2 - people will not and can not get out of their car and get on the bus because the buses are completely full - at the moment, overseas language students cram the bus to capacity, so oridnary people cannot get on. I have seen a driver have to stop the bus several times to stop people standing on the top deck, which is not permitted.
When the new lights at Rottingdean are unveiled (they have been under orange covers for the last 2 months), will this help matters?
Mr. Kipling, Hove says...
11:27am Fri 25 Jul 08
Jayne wrote:So he lives in Ovingdean does he? Not what I`ve heard
Frenchie wanted this bus lane and he is now reaping the seeds he has sown, delays for his beloved buses.
I do hope on his slow drive home to Ovingdean in his gas guzzling Audi he sits in the jam and contemplates how his desire for this bus lane has made so many peoples lives a misery!
bug eye, hove says...
11:39am Fri 25 Jul 08
what a disaster now visiting my elderly parents to help with their needs takes twice as long from Hove by bus or car, or I just take a different route through other side streets. as a previous poster said we need to take more examples from abroad and take out the traffic lights at longridge and rottingdean and replace with mini roudabouts or just give-way signs.
unfortunately it seems all of brighton and hove is being plagued with the riduclous bus stop build outs, lane narrowing, pedestrian islands etc. all to the peril of the tory council, we have the cycle lane disasters of grand avenue, and now the steine and north st. and sackville road. no one think they will escape more plans are afoot so they can introduce a congestion charge they have caused in the first place. god help the tourists businesses and and residents of this city whom the council rely on. these schemes will be the councils downfall. take note reverse these stupid systems.
unfortunately it seems all of brighton and hove is being plagued with the riduclous bus stop build outs, lane narrowing, pedestrian islands etc. all to the peril of the tory council, we have the cycle lane disasters of grand avenue, and now the steine and north st. and sackville road. no one think they will escape more plans are afoot so they can introduce a congestion charge they have caused in the first place. god help the tourists businesses and and residents of this city whom the council rely on. these schemes will be the councils downfall. take note reverse these stupid systems.
Gerro, saltdean says...
11:42am Fri 25 Jul 08
This is indeed an utter shambles. On my drive home last night the effect of this new scheme was apparent the moment I got to Warren Rd - people coming off the 259 at the Marina and rat running all the way thru Woodingdean, Rottingdean, even Saltdean, where I live.
Also, just out of interest why should we have to abide by 24/7 bus lanes, when we don't have 24/7 buses on most routes?? Why have the council turned swathes of our roads over to a private company for their exclusive use when they don't run a service that needs that road at all times of the day....??? Let's see just how "sustainable" this scheme really is...
Also, just out of interest why should we have to abide by 24/7 bus lanes, when we don't have 24/7 buses on most routes?? Why have the council turned swathes of our roads over to a private company for their exclusive use when they don't run a service that needs that road at all times of the day....??? Let's see just how "sustainable" this scheme really is...
Ronald, Hailsham says...
12:04pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Councillor Lock and the numbnuts department strike again!!
Flat Mat, Peacehaven says...
12:18pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Quote:- And East Sussex County Council bosses tonight apologised to commuters and promised to take action to ease congestion on the route.
Yes, action is required today. The Council is causing untold stress to everyone, thousands of people are effected.
Heads need to roll, as this has been so very badly thought out.
By playing with the Coast Road, they are palying with fire. Yes it's busy but before the Bus Drain it worked.
Now it's a complete mess.
Come on the Council, action today, sack the i*iots who came up with this, start looking after us the people.
Just get on with it, put the roundabout back in Saltdean, don't even dare to put the traffic lights in at Telscombe Cliffs Way.
Sort this mess out before we have to set up an Action Group.
What a loan of i*iots.
I also feel sorry for the residents of Ovingdean with the extra traffic etc.
GET ON WITH IT AND SORT OUT THE MESS. It's our money.....
Yes, action is required today. The Council is causing untold stress to everyone, thousands of people are effected.
Heads need to roll, as this has been so very badly thought out.
By playing with the Coast Road, they are palying with fire. Yes it's busy but before the Bus Drain it worked.
Now it's a complete mess.
Come on the Council, action today, sack the i*iots who came up with this, start looking after us the people.
Just get on with it, put the roundabout back in Saltdean, don't even dare to put the traffic lights in at Telscombe Cliffs Way.
Sort this mess out before we have to set up an Action Group.
What a loan of i*iots.
I also feel sorry for the residents of Ovingdean with the extra traffic etc.
GET ON WITH IT AND SORT OUT THE MESS. It's our money.....
Flat Mat, Peacehaven says...
1:10pm Fri 25 Jul 08
The straw that breaks...
Road Report:-
Delays due to traffic light failure on A259 Marine Drive both ways at Longridge Avenue. Callers are reporting the lights are stuck on red and drivers are struggling to exit from Longridge Avenue onto the A259.
What a Mess!
Road Report:-
Delays due to traffic light failure on A259 Marine Drive both ways at Longridge Avenue. Callers are reporting the lights are stuck on red and drivers are struggling to exit from Longridge Avenue onto the A259.
What a Mess!
tiggajack, Pecehaven says...
1:41pm Fri 25 Jul 08
What a disaster this has been from the start, why could they not just leave it as it was. The council could have spent this money where it was actually needed instead of wasting it's time making a disaster of out the coast road. I spent 45 minutes during one day after rush hour going from peacehaven to woodingdean a jorney that used to take only 15 minutes. Put it back they way it was & get rid of those lights at saltdean that replaced the roundabout which worked perfectly well. It is bad enough trying to afford to live in this country with the way it is let alone silly one way bus lanes.
Annoyed driver
Annoyed driver
rhinofish, Hove says...
1:44pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Davyboy is right about traffic lights causing congestion. I have often noticed that at junctions where traffic lights aren't working the traffic flows better with fewer hold ups.
Are the people who came up with this scheme the same ones who were responsible for closing North St and Western Rd to traffic and the bus lanes in London Rd? Ever since those changes were made Brighton has suffered from gridlock. Increasing journey times, pollution and road rage. Can we also have those stupid ideas reversed as well? Let the traffic flow again.
Are the people who came up with this scheme the same ones who were responsible for closing North St and Western Rd to traffic and the bus lanes in London Rd? Ever since those changes were made Brighton has suffered from gridlock. Increasing journey times, pollution and road rage. Can we also have those stupid ideas reversed as well? Let the traffic flow again.
martreed, Telscombe Cliffs says...
1:50pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Let's try and keep a sense of proportion here. I am guessing most of the respondents are car drivers. As a frequent bus traveller I am keen to see the bus lane succeed but even I accept that the car driver must have a fair crack of the whip. Every new road scheme can take a while to bed down and get right - perhaps we should not be so hasty in our judgment.
Anyone who has spent a few minutes watching what is happening will have realised that the principal problem is the new lights at Longridge Avenue. This is causing stationary traffic to back up beyond Ovingdean and by anyone's standards defeating the benefit of the exercise. Like many other correspondents I can't see why the mini-roundabout at Saltdean was such a bad thing - it never held up the traffic as badly as the new lights do. The new design of the Longridge Avenue junction takes buses out of the main area of the junction anyway so it would be very simple to reinstate the roundabout - but I think I can promise people it won't happen! Interestingly there has been nothing like the same degree of hold-up for westbound traffic - I made the journey this morning (by car as it happens) to Old Steine in under 15 minutes.
Rephasing the lights is worth trying. They must give priority to westbound traffic in the morning and eastbound traffic in the evening, something which I am guessing they don't do sufficiently at the moment. At least with the volume of traffic very light at the moment there is the chance to experiment with the timing and get it right before we get to September when everyone is back from holidays.
This scheme is far from perfect but let's at least try to get it right. Improved bus travel will help everyone - for one thing it will reduce the very high number of single-occupied cars on the A259 which in turn will make it easier for those who really do have to travel along there by car.
Anyone who has spent a few minutes watching what is happening will have realised that the principal problem is the new lights at Longridge Avenue. This is causing stationary traffic to back up beyond Ovingdean and by anyone's standards defeating the benefit of the exercise. Like many other correspondents I can't see why the mini-roundabout at Saltdean was such a bad thing - it never held up the traffic as badly as the new lights do. The new design of the Longridge Avenue junction takes buses out of the main area of the junction anyway so it would be very simple to reinstate the roundabout - but I think I can promise people it won't happen! Interestingly there has been nothing like the same degree of hold-up for westbound traffic - I made the journey this morning (by car as it happens) to Old Steine in under 15 minutes.
Rephasing the lights is worth trying. They must give priority to westbound traffic in the morning and eastbound traffic in the evening, something which I am guessing they don't do sufficiently at the moment. At least with the volume of traffic very light at the moment there is the chance to experiment with the timing and get it right before we get to September when everyone is back from holidays.
This scheme is far from perfect but let's at least try to get it right. Improved bus travel will help everyone - for one thing it will reduce the very high number of single-occupied cars on the A259 which in turn will make it easier for those who really do have to travel along there by car.
Dr Seagull, Saltdean says...
2:12pm Fri 25 Jul 08
I have been using this road for over 25 years and have never known such chaos.
Does anyone know how this lane is policed? Why are there no signs if there are cameras in place. I am told that buses have cameras.....Has anyone seen one, or are they relying on council officials with mobile cameras to catch offenders?
Does anyone know how this lane is policed? Why are there no signs if there are cameras in place. I am told that buses have cameras.....Has anyone seen one, or are they relying on council officials with mobile cameras to catch offenders?
whatithink, Brighton says...
2:37pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Dr Seagull wrote:There have been unsigned speed cameras in place for at least 2 years travelling eastbound just as you enter the 30 mph limit approaching Rottingdean traffic lights. They are 'average' speed cameras.
I have been using this road for over 25 years and have never known such chaos.Does anyone know how this lane is policed? Why are there no signs if there are cameras in place. I am told that buses have cameras.....Has anyone seen one, or are they relying on council officials with mobile cameras to catch offenders?
I thought all speed cameras had to be signed. These aren't. I bet they used to catch loads of people before this wonderful new bus lane scheme. Now I doubt whether anyone is actually able to do 30mph in that location!
Dr Seagull, Saltdean says...
2:41pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Not quite what I meant whatithink but thanks anyway.
Anyone else?
Anyone else?
Jayne, Brighton says...
2:54pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Mr. Kipling wrote:According to Companies House he does.
Jayne wrote:Frenchie wanted this bus lane and he is now reaping the seeds he has sown, delays for his beloved buses.I do hope on his slow drive home to Ovingdean in his gas guzzling Audi he sits in the jam and contemplates how his desire for this bus lane has made so many peoples lives a misery!So he lives in Ovingdean does he? Not what I`ve heard
Flat Mat, Peacehaven says...
2:58pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Whatithink
They are not speed cameras they are the number plate recognition system.
They trace things like no tax, no insurance etc...
They are not speed cameras they are the number plate recognition system.
They trace things like no tax, no insurance etc...
Dr Seagull, Saltdean says...
3:03pm Fri 25 Jul 08
So, is anyone or anything policing the bus lane?
S.T. Rewth, Brighton says...
3:19pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Not yet unless the buses do have cameras but with another chance to grab revenue from motorists there will be.
Mart, Rottingdean says...
3:29pm Fri 25 Jul 08
The whole bungling idea has been very badly designed, and even more cheaply executed.
The remaining traffic lanes are far too narrow - I have seen several lorries and large vehicles head towards one another, and narrowly miss on on the narrow stretch between Rottingdean and Saltdean.
All they had to do was take a metre or so of verge or pavement either side, and the width of the new lanes would of been fine.
It really is a typical piece of cheap and cheerful tat, and it is only a matter of time before there is a head on collsion on this now very dnagerous strech of road.
The remaining traffic lanes are far too narrow - I have seen several lorries and large vehicles head towards one another, and narrowly miss on on the narrow stretch between Rottingdean and Saltdean.
All they had to do was take a metre or so of verge or pavement either side, and the width of the new lanes would of been fine.
It really is a typical piece of cheap and cheerful tat, and it is only a matter of time before there is a head on collsion on this now very dnagerous strech of road.
martreed, Telscombe Cliffs says...
3:32pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Pretty much every B&H bus has CCTV including external cameras looking front and rear. However I don't know whether these can record images sufficient for prosecution purposes.
One of the (other!) reasons for the ANPR cameras at Rottingdean was to save the cost of providing a mobile unit to sit at the side of the road for days on end when there were party political conferences in Brighton.
One of the (other!) reasons for the ANPR cameras at Rottingdean was to save the cost of providing a mobile unit to sit at the side of the road for days on end when there were party political conferences in Brighton.
djc, saltdean says...
3:37pm Fri 25 Jul 08
What a pigs ear of a scheme, my journey time has increased along with my blood pressure. It now takes longer to get home, the lanes are too narrow (when you overtake a cyclist you have to move into the on coming traffic) and the two lanes into one between Ovingdean and Rottingdean are just an accident waiting to happen. I am glad to see my hard earned tax money is being well wasted. Will the council or the road planner also be prosecuted in law for the first death due to their incompetence!
What a eco friendly scheme all these cars forming a queue going no where quick just polluting the atmosphere, guess the council are not going to hit their targets hope this does not mean an increase in our tax AGAIN
What a eco friendly scheme all these cars forming a queue going no where quick just polluting the atmosphere, guess the council are not going to hit their targets hope this does not mean an increase in our tax AGAIN
gobsmacked, Saltdean says...
3:43pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Never before have I felt the need to express my views in print, but I have been rendered speechless by the moronic officials who thought that this scheme would improve bus/ traffic flow along the A259 !!!!!
I travel daily from Saltdean to Hove & what was a 35 minute return journey, now takes well over an hour !!
PUT IT BACK THE WAY IT WAS, & moreover, change the traffic lights in Rottingdean to a roundabout....I'm sure the traffic flow would be further improved !!
I travel daily from Saltdean to Hove & what was a 35 minute return journey, now takes well over an hour !!
PUT IT BACK THE WAY IT WAS, & moreover, change the traffic lights in Rottingdean to a roundabout....I'm sure the traffic flow would be further improved !!
feline1, Brighton says...
3:45pm Fri 25 Jul 08
LOL great planning from the Council staff. And are these the same Council folk who just went on strike asking for a payrise??? LOL Incompetant loons! They should be made to carry commuters on their backs.
k.ranger, Peacehaven says...
3:47pm Fri 25 Jul 08
A259 - Yet Another Council Instigated Road Chaos
Many people have commented what most of us would agree with, but few have really picked up on the environmental impact of this "Road Improvement" that ESCC and B&H Councils have instigated.
Have these planners not realised that instead of reducing our "Carbon Footprint" they are in fact increasing it ten fold.
I may be wrong, but the term "Road Improvement" would suggest just that, which would include the free flowing of traffic. A point completely missed on the A259 scheme. Even the road surface resembles one of Peacehavens many un-adopted roads, and they have no intention of resurfacing it. Perhaps this is a form of natural road calming, as driving at 30mph, if that were possible, could send you out of control and cause an accident.
Are these people in the Council who come up with these schemes qualified? Or have they just been promoted to their level of incompetence?
Unfortunately anyone who thinks that these planners are capable of accepting that they have made an error, and will revisit this scheme with a view of correcting their mistakes are sadly mistaken. They've never done it before so why should they start now?
Added to all of this, the thought of any extra traffic that may be caused if Southern Waters dumb idea of putting a Sewage Plant at the back of Peachaven is passed by these Council Goons in the next few weeks horrifies me, and I'm sure many others residents of Peacehaven.
It is about time that these Councillors realise that they were voted into office to carry out our wishes, so if your reading this the Councillors of ESCC and Brighton & Hove, get to grips sort the traffic mess out. It won't go away so take your heads out of the sand, put your backsides in gear and get on and act.
Many people have commented what most of us would agree with, but few have really picked up on the environmental impact of this "Road Improvement" that ESCC and B&H Councils have instigated.
Have these planners not realised that instead of reducing our "Carbon Footprint" they are in fact increasing it ten fold.
I may be wrong, but the term "Road Improvement" would suggest just that, which would include the free flowing of traffic. A point completely missed on the A259 scheme. Even the road surface resembles one of Peacehavens many un-adopted roads, and they have no intention of resurfacing it. Perhaps this is a form of natural road calming, as driving at 30mph, if that were possible, could send you out of control and cause an accident.
Are these people in the Council who come up with these schemes qualified? Or have they just been promoted to their level of incompetence?
Unfortunately anyone who thinks that these planners are capable of accepting that they have made an error, and will revisit this scheme with a view of correcting their mistakes are sadly mistaken. They've never done it before so why should they start now?
Added to all of this, the thought of any extra traffic that may be caused if Southern Waters dumb idea of putting a Sewage Plant at the back of Peachaven is passed by these Council Goons in the next few weeks horrifies me, and I'm sure many others residents of Peacehaven.
It is about time that these Councillors realise that they were voted into office to carry out our wishes, so if your reading this the Councillors of ESCC and Brighton & Hove, get to grips sort the traffic mess out. It won't go away so take your heads out of the sand, put your backsides in gear and get on and act.
feline1, Brighton says...
3:57pm Fri 25 Jul 08
lol what a shambles!
Are the council staff who "planned" all this the same ones who were striking for a pay rise? lol
Are the council staff who "planned" all this the same ones who were striking for a pay rise? lol
Flat Mat, Peacehaven says...
4:06pm Fri 25 Jul 08
A little bird tells me that the Council in Gateshead made a total U-turn on such a scheme when there was chaos.
They had said sorry.... but lets see how much of a u-turn we get?
They had said sorry.... but lets see how much of a u-turn we get?
usher44, Saltdean says...
4:09pm Fri 25 Jul 08
No doubt a government grant was assigned for this project so it did not come out of the local tax raised. The consultants were Owen Williams (that's what it said on the board at Rottingdean). So you can imagine the sales ploy -- I'll get the council £1.8 million of government money if WE build a "sustainable transport corridor". And I guess no measurables were involved either ie. it will increase bus usage by X percent. The real problem now for the council is WHO is going to pay to fix the mess ?? I doubt if Owen Williams will stump up the cash, and I doubt if there is a budget assigned within the council. A great big B@LLS UP. Expect this mess to continue for some time, and the "powers that be" will hope we will get used to it.
marge, Peacehaven says...
4:11pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Again, 45 minutes stuck in traffic on the hottest day of the year, I go out early morning and used to get from Peacehaven to Shoreham in 25 minutes, it has taken an extra 10 minutes, so now I have to leave earlier, coming back is a nightmare, why on earth take out the roundabouts! I sometimes think no proper thought or planning has been put into these ideas, there is certainly no consideration for the people who live on route along this beautiful part of Sussex and now it is very reminiscent of a motorway, snarled up traffic, exhaust fumes and nowhere to turn off on this road to get to our destinations. What will happen when the Ocean complex at Saltdean opens and the extra housing in Peacehaven is finished, we will all be going no-where. The council could have spent the money more wisely on re-surfacing the road but instead we get this ridiculous bus lane. What will happen if the cliff ever erodes, it really dosn't bear thinking about
red, saltdean says...
4:48pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Would I be right in thinking that the muppet that designed the new 'bus corridor' has never actually driven on the A259 from Brighton to Newhaven in rush hour?? Yesterday I left Brighton early around 2pm (not even rush hour) and I was still sitting at the lights in Rottingdean 40 mins later!! I sat through 4 changes of traffic lights in the front of the queue at Rottingdean without moving an inch, which was all due to idiotic traffic lights on the junction of Longridge Ave, which are totally unnecessary and poorly designed (you should try turning right into Longridge Ave from the coast road in the morning rush hour, it's impossible!). Why remove the mini roundabout in the first place, as it at least allowed the traffic to flow? I vote the mini roundabout be put back and the sequencing of the traffic lights at Rottingdean be reviewed to help the Westbound traffic flow in the mornings and the Eastbound traffic flow in the evenings to keep the blood pressure of very frustrated A259 commuters at a healthy level !! Come on Brighton & Hove council, stop apologising and take some action NOW !!!!!!!!!!
Bristol VR, Portslade says...
5:21pm Fri 25 Jul 08
This just goes to show how totally out of touch with modern transport systems East Sussex County Council is. This traffic system is total rubbish. As is their decision on not reinstating the Lewes-Uckfield rail link. If ESCC carry on with this idiotic way of dealing with transport such as the Uckfield gyratory we will all be going nowhere fast in not too many years time. People will avoid Sussex altogether!
garben, Peacehaven says...
6:07pm Fri 25 Jul 08
This scheme was doomed to failure from the start and no doubt when ESCC accept this fact the better it will be for drivers on the A259.
This money would have been far better spent towards providing a new access to the A27 from Peacehaven & Telscombe Cliffs.
This money would have been far better spent towards providing a new access to the A27 from Peacehaven & Telscombe Cliffs.
Old Ale Man, Woodingdean says...
6:08pm Fri 25 Jul 08
A five year old would have thought this sheme through and would most likely have come to the conclusion it was going to be hopeless from day one and put it where any half sensible five year old puts all their broken toys, in the bludy dustbin, sorry wheelie bin.
Old Ale Man, Woodingdean says...
6:08pm Fri 25 Jul 08
A five year old would have thought this sheme through and would most likely have come to the conclusion it was going to be hopeless from day one and put it where any half sensible five year old puts all their broken toys, in the bludy dustbin, sorry wheelie bin.
annabelgiles, Brighton says...
6:10pm Fri 25 Jul 08
I drive along this stretch of road about four times a day on average, and have been doing so for the last two years. There has never been a problem with traffic flow in the past, in fact it was clear at all times of the day and night, rather well-managed, I thought.
Currently, what has been previously a 15 minute journey is taking me between 30-45 mins; and some days it's actually quicker to do the very big circle to Rottingdean via Woodingdean.
Apparently, the point of this nightmare is to cut down on emissions and to encourage more people to take the bus. The result is that the residents of Woodingdean and surrounding areas find themselves in what is fast becoming a smog-filled area. And now that the bus is no faster than the car, why would anyone choose to sit on a sticky bus for that long?
In my opinion, that stretch of road should be returned to exactly how it was six months ago. Use the bus corridor only where it's needed. Let everyone pass through as quickly as possible. There's your solution: less fumes, more speed, perhaps I'll take the bus.
PS While I'm at it, it's just taken me 70 minutes to travel along the seafront from Wish Park to Kemp Town. Is it really necessary to have road works in the centre of town during peak tourist season?
Currently, what has been previously a 15 minute journey is taking me between 30-45 mins; and some days it's actually quicker to do the very big circle to Rottingdean via Woodingdean.
Apparently, the point of this nightmare is to cut down on emissions and to encourage more people to take the bus. The result is that the residents of Woodingdean and surrounding areas find themselves in what is fast becoming a smog-filled area. And now that the bus is no faster than the car, why would anyone choose to sit on a sticky bus for that long?
In my opinion, that stretch of road should be returned to exactly how it was six months ago. Use the bus corridor only where it's needed. Let everyone pass through as quickly as possible. There's your solution: less fumes, more speed, perhaps I'll take the bus.
PS While I'm at it, it's just taken me 70 minutes to travel along the seafront from Wish Park to Kemp Town. Is it really necessary to have road works in the centre of town during peak tourist season?
Old Ale Man, Woodingdean says...
6:19pm Fri 25 Jul 08
O.A.M.Says if I'd have downed fifteen pint of old ale I would have been drunk as a skunk but still have been able to tell all those silly persons responsible,
no way will it work.
Please don't tinker with it, you'll make it worse and prolong our agony.
Admit you got it wrong scrap it and then sling your hooks.
no way will it work.
Please don't tinker with it, you'll make it worse and prolong our agony.
Admit you got it wrong scrap it and then sling your hooks.
SJB, Saltdean says...
6:36pm Fri 25 Jul 08
We all feel the same we know what a total disaster this is and we need to lobby those responsible.
This scheme has to be re thought big time before it is too late - we must take action now.
I am thinking of organising a petition and have spoken with local councillors who are in full support of this. What do you think??
I am happy to man the barricades if necessary.
This scheme has to be re thought big time before it is too late - we must take action now.
I am thinking of organising a petition and have spoken with local councillors who are in full support of this. What do you think??
I am happy to man the barricades if necessary.
panda_electrical, Peacehaven says...
7:14pm Fri 25 Jul 08
The feedback I have from East Sussex County Council is that this scheme is designed to force people to use the bus. If South Coast businesses fail that is not their problem, if carbon emissions increase because of traffic jams this is not their problem, if people are inconvenienced they should do what they are told and increase Mr French’s profits by using the bus.
Don’t forget this is the council that slowed down the Newhaven One Way system by building the access road to the tower block that was refused planning permission because it was in their roads budget. We no have a road that goes nowhere.
Still hopefully the councils union will call them out on a permanent strike allowing folks to get on with their lives without these grandiose failures.
Don’t forget this is the council that slowed down the Newhaven One Way system by building the access road to the tower block that was refused planning permission because it was in their roads budget. We no have a road that goes nowhere.
Still hopefully the councils union will call them out on a permanent strike allowing folks to get on with their lives without these grandiose failures.
davyboy, abingdon, oxon says...
7:15pm Fri 25 Jul 08
JohnRebus wrote:i agree with you entirely. the lights SHOULD be removed. also correct, i dont live there anymore, but i did for many years and understand the problems you all face. traffic lights, especially badly timed ones, cause chaos. what i was trying to say is that where they were taken away, traffic flow improved, along with the drivers manners. as you know, when a set of lights fails, traffic flow does improve. i agree with roger french that the lights sholud be removed, but EVERYONE could help by using their c
davyboy wrote:
you cant blame the bus company for the councils ineptitude. traffic lights cause chaos wherever they are put. there was an exercise in holland/belgium some years ago where they removed all traffic lights and traffic flowed much better and accidents were cut. this was all because everyone was more careful . no-one was trying to jump red lights, and everyone was more courteous, something drivers have forgotten in this country. strage how the bus company gets blamed for everything. instead of sitting in the jams which you have caused, get on the bus instead, and take some cars off the roads. 1 person per car is such a selfish way to travel.you do live along the south coast? / do you travel bewteen Newhaven and Brighton each day? I bet is the answer is no (abingdon?). The issue here all about the SERIOUS CONGESTION created by the introduction of lights and bus lanes - if you read the article you will see even the boss of the bus company is asking for the lights to be removed.
Bob_The_Ferret, Brighton says...
10:52pm Thu 24 Jul 08