20mph? It's hard to go faster

Council officials believe the new traffic restrictions off Shoreham High Street will make the road safer and ease congestion.

But traders and residents say the restrictions are unlikely to make much difference because the road is normally so congested, drivers can hardly reach speeds above 20mph anyway.

The restriction along narrow roads leading north from Shoreham High Street is among improvements worth £60,000.

The signs will be put up in Western Road, St Mary's Road, Southdown Road and West Street while pavement improvements making it easier for people to cross will be made in West Street, St Mary's Road and North Street.

The scheme was approved last year by Adur Highway and Transport Partnership following a public exhibition and input from independent consultants.

But, while the pavement improvements are welcomed, some people have questioned the speed limit. Nigel Beverton, manager of Posh Nosh restaurant in the High Street, said: "I don't think the speed restriction will make much of a difference to be honest because it's hard to do 20mph anyway due to the congestion. I suppose the restriction is for when it's quieter."

Shoreham Society chairman Bob Cranmore said: "I hope it's going to help but it's very difficult to drive much more than 20mph anyway with the narrow streets and the parking."

He said the main problem was for people turning right from the narrow roads feeding into the High Street and data shows there were 12 accidents there over the past two or three years.

But he said a new roundabout was included in the Adur Transport Plan for people to turn left into the High Street and then do a U-turn back in the direction they wanted to go.

In the meantime, work on the £60,000 scheme starts on Monday, which is expected to take seven weeks.

Clive Williams, local county councillor and chairman of Adur County Local Committee, said independent consultants were brought in to make sure the best solution was found for the area.