Calls for traffic lights to remain at Exceat Bridge on A259

Derrick Coffee, county officer for Transport Futures East Sussex, said traffic lights at the Cuckmere Bridge near Seaford have helped solve congestion problems and “bad driver behaviour”.

Traffic lights have been in place on each side of the 150-year-old bridge for several months.

The group said a cycling and walking path, along with a toucan crossing at the National Park visitor centre and permanent traffic lights at the bridge would help “preserve the special quality of this part of the National Park”.

• READ MORE: 150-year old bridge will take two years to replace once planning permission is granted

Derrick said: “The current temporary traffic lights at the bridge have done a great deal to solve congestion and bad driver behaviour problems at the A259 bridge over the Cuckmere River in the South Downs National Park.

“We have carried out observations from on board the Brighton and Hove 12 buses route during ten crossings of the bridge.

A planning application is currently in place for a new bridge over the Cuckmere River (Image: The Argus)

“The traffic lights are popular with all ten bus drivers interviewed, with comments such as ‘keep the lights’ and ‘a definite improvement’.

“Speed restrictions across the causeway and past the Seven Sisters visitor's centre, a high quality pedestrian and cycle path to replace the current inadequate one, a toucan crossing, and the traffic lights themselves would do much to preserve the special quality of this part of the National Park - and reduce traffic noise.

“The traffic lights have reduced tension among drivers by giving clarity as to when to move off, avoiding conflict and frustration - the last thing needed when driving any vehicle.

Near the visitor's centre at Cuckmere Haven (Image: Transport Futures East Sussex)

“Perhaps the £8m costs attributed to the expanded bridge project could be re-allocated to bus priority measures elsewhere on the route - or even in Eastbourne where they are sorely needed.”

East Sussex County Council said that the current ageing bridge is in need of repairs and confirmed that the £8 million funding could only be spent on the bridge project.

The new bridge is expected to take two years to build once planning permission is granted by South Downs National Park Authority.

An East Sussex County Council spokeswoman said: “We appreciate that while the temporary traffic lights at Exceat have helped ease congestion, a modern, safer, two-way bridge will enable more reliable journeys at peak hours, as well as help to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions by eliminating idling traffic waiting at the traffic lights.

“The current bridge is ageing, costly to maintain and requires extensive repairs so it is more cost effective to replace it. Government funding has been secured for the project which cannot be allocated elsewhere.

“As well as a new two-lane bridge, the scheme will see improved accessibility for visitors with the introduction of viewing platforms, crossing points, appropriate lighting and a new, wider footway on the south side of the bridge, which is not possible at the current crossing.

The group are calling for permanent traffic lights at Exceat Bridge. Pictured is temporary traffic lights (Image: Transport Futures East Sussex)

"A shared meeting space will be created in front of the Cuckmere Inn with bike racks and seating.

"Environmental works will also take place to enhance wildlife habitats in this ecologically sensitive location. 

“We are currently awaiting a decision from the South Downs National Park Authority on our planning application. The temporary traffic lights will remain in place until the new bridge is built.”