Residents of an East Sussex village fear the siting of new traffic signals could pose a safety risk for pedestrians. Parish councillors have raised concerns about the design, including the siting of poles and new lighting columns as part of works at the A265 junction in Hurst Green, near Etchingham.
Residents say a decision to place the columns part way on to the pavement will push pedestrians closer to the road, making it more difficult for those with wheelchairs and buggies. Bexhill and Battle MP Dr Kieran Mullan said he has called for an urgent meeting with National Highways.
He first raised concerns in January after the parish council received the final designs. He said neither he nor the parish council had seen the detailed proposals for installing traffic lights at the A265 junction, which form part of wider safety and traffic flow improvements on the A21.
He said although National Highways later attended a village meeting to explain the proposals, no significant changes have been made to address residents’ concerns.
Four-way temporary traffic lights have been installed.
Dr Mullan said parish councillors raised concerns about the design, including the siting of poles and new lighting columns, which they said undermine efforts to enhance the village’s historic character.
He said that the proposal to site a traffic signal on the pavement had prompted a village protest.
Dr Mullan said:
“This traffic lights scheme represents one of the worst examples of poor community engagement I have encountered as an MP. While improvements to safety on the A21 are welcome, National Highways appears to have overlooked the sensitivities of introducing a major traffic scheme in the heart of Hurst Green village.
“Many of the concerns now being raised could have been avoided through proper engagement before the design work began. Basic issues – such as access to local lanes – have already led to costly changes both within the village and further along the road near Hurst Green garages, where traffic islands have prevented agricultural vehicles from accessing fields.
“I am deeply concerned not only about the visual impact of installing unattractive columns in front of a historic building, but also about the decision to place them part way into the pavement. Residents rightly worry this will push them closer to the road and make it more difficult for those with wheelchairs and buggies. This is why I am asking for an urgent meeting and revised designs.”
A National Highways spokesperson said:
“Safety is our top priority, and we are delivering a range of improvements on this route. Our design is compliant with highway standards, and no heritage concerns were raised when we spoke with experts.”
The spokesperson added that National Highways is widening footpaths, resurfacing, and installing traffic islands, streetlights, traffic signals and a pedestrian crossing point to improve safety at the junction.
(Picture: Mapillary)
