Concerns over lorries using Ringmer as a rat-run

Residents claim more and more lorry drivers are using Ringmer as a cut-through.

They want East Sussex County Council’s highways team to set up a lorry route network which sets out what roads lorries should use, except for local access.

A protest has been organised with the hope of “keeping HGVs out of our villages”.

People say lorries are using the village as a rat run (Image: Newsquest)

A petition has also been set up which has around 200 signatures so far.

Emily O’Brien, Green councillor for Ouse Valley and Ringmer, said: “While we all support our local drivers and deliveries, there is a growing number of lorries using Ringmer as a rat run.

“People with small children and disabilities are particularly affected and many are afraid to walk along the main road because of the narrow pavements and sheer volume of traffic.”

People will gather at the village green in North Road, Ringmer, at 1pm on Tuesday this week for a protest.

People have raised concerns about lorries on the village's roads in the past

Green Party councillor Johnny Denis, who is also an East Sussex County councillor, said: “Other county councils including West Sussex have introduced lorry route networks to encourage HGVs away from unsuitable B-roads, and we are calling on East Sussex County Council to do the same.”

An East Sussex County Council spokeswoman said: “As few roads across the county are fully suitable for HGVs, the council’s policy is that these vehicles should be able to use A and B roads across the network rather than be concentrated on a small number of selected roads.

“Restrictions have been put in place on some roads which are considered especially unsuitable for HGVs, and we are always happy to consider suggestions for roads where the environment for residents and other road users would be improved.

Damage to the kerb in Bishops Lane last year

“It is important to note that, even with restrictions, HGVs are still able to use these roads if delivering to residential properties or businesses within that area.”

Last year, residents in Bishops Lane, Ringmer, said they feel like they are living in a building site due to lorries passing through for the construction of housing developments.

One woman said: “People say they don’t want to lose this village feel, it has no village feel. It has become a massive construction site.”