Grass at Newhaven junction causes danger concern for council

Verges at the notorious Avis Road junction with the A26 in Newhaven were allowed to grow up to 3ft high, said Sean Macleod.

The Newhaven town councillor was worried there could be collisions, and even deaths, as cars were “edging out” to see around the grass.

He contacted National Highways, which maintains the land, on May 21 after complaints from furious residents began pouring in.

The grass at nearby Denton Road, which was of a similar length to that of Avis Road junction

But he was informed that the grass was not due to be trimmed until June 9.

“I don’t think they care about the road,” said Cllr Macleod.

“It’s a road in South Heighton – and they run the national motorways – I don’t think it’s a massive priority for them.

“There’s been a number of KSIs (killed and seriously injured crashes). I don’t think we can link it to the grass, some of them could be, but I think ultimately it just shows how dangerous the junction is.”

Cllr Macleod said that Newhaven Town Council became “absolutely sick to death of people calling up” to ask when the grass would be cut.

The council cut the grass on Monday as a result – and was considering sending the bill to National Highways.

“This junction is not in the town council boundary, so it shows how stupid this ongoing issue is becoming,” said Cllr Macleod.

“I appreciate the council stepping in here and taking the steps they have. The grass had got to a very dangerous height and sight lines were heavily restricted. This site is too dangerous for a wildflower area. It is classed as a dangerous junction for a reason.”

A serious crash at the junction in 2020

The town council met National Highways last year to discuss the danger caused by the junction and was promised “serious safety improvements”.

Plans are currently being drawn up to reduce the risk, but Cllr Macleod said that between now and when the changes are implemented, there has to be serious thought given to the way the area is managed.

“We must recognise that until this point the junction needs to be regularly cut, and not just when residents moan,” he said.

“They need to listen to us, we are often ignored and not listened to, and we know our areas better than they do.

“Cut the grass, or more people could die on the A26 junction.”

The Argus understands that National Highways is planning traffic lights at the junction, and asked it to confirm this.

The Avis Road junction after it was cut by Newhaven Town Council

A National Highways spokeswoman said: “We have a safety scheme in development at the junction A26 and Avis Road, B2109, and the preferred option does appear to be signalisation.

“The scheme is about to complete the feasibility stage and move into design later in the year.

"Regarding how often the grass should be cut, I don't have the answer yet."

 In July 2020, there were two serious incidents near the junction within 48 hours.

On July 27, a 70-year-old woman died after being hit by a lorry. The following day, two vehicles crashed near the road.

Cllr Macleod is also campaigning for long grass further along the road to be cut, though this is not the responsibility of National Highways.