AN ENVIRONMENTAL group has criticised plans to change a road into a dual carriageway

Brighton and Hove Friends of the Earth has written to West Sussex County Council to voice concerns that the council’s proposals to dual the A2300 would undermine healthy and sustainable transport.

The group believes this would increase traffic and congestion on local roads and undermine the local economy.

The council is proposing to build a shared pedestrian and cycle route along the north of the A2300.

It connects the A23 with Burgess Hill.

A Brighton and Hove Friends of the Earth spokesman said: “The council is currently ruling out having any safe crossings to help pedestrians and cyclists negotiate the roundabouts or cross to the south of the road.

“Without these, any pedestrian and cycle facilities are pointless as they will be unusable by most people, especially with a 70mph speed limit on the road.

“The new road would also sever local roads which are currently used for cycling.

“West Sussex County Council should go back to the drawing board.

“They clearly don’t understand the needs of people who want to walk or cycle, or they just don’t care.

“They are ignoring government policy and best practice advice from health professionals.

“It’s time they caught up with the 21st century.

“They need to provide proper paths and crossings in all new developments.

“The new road not only fails to come with proper facilities for people walking and cycling but it is also going to sever some important local lanes.

“So not only do the current plans represent a wasted opportunity, they will actually make walking and cycling worse in the area.”

Resident Richard Bates, a Cycling UK local representative, is also opposed to the plan.

He said: “These proposals do little to aid cycling.

“West Sussex wants to lavish many millions of pounds on building a dual carriageway.

“But then they say they can’t afford to provide proper facilities for people walking and cycling.

“They are only paying lip service to cycling provision.”

A West Sussex County Council spokesman said: “These are proposals for more than £20 million worth of highway improvements.

“It will ease congestion on the A2300 corridor and bring key economic benefits to Burgess Hill and the surrounding area.

“Facilities for both pedestrians and cyclists will be improved.

“There will be a new footway/cycleway provided along the northern verge between the proposed Northern Arc site access roundabout and the A23/A2300 interchange and the National Cycle Network.

“The proposals were put on public display for comment in autumn last year.

“We welcomed the feedback and will try to adjust the plans to accommodate as many of the suggestions as possible.

“However, it has to be remembered and taken into account that there is a finite amount of funding available within a short timescale.”