THE PUBLIC, businesses and organisations are being asked to give their views on proposals aimed at improving walking, wheeling and cycling access along a major route in East Sussex.
A five-week public consultation on a number of proposed Active Travel improvements near the A22 is now underway.
The package of improvements will enable active travel journeys in and around Hailsham, Polegate and Stone Cross.
The proposed measures are part of the £46.5m programme of junction improvements for the southern section of the A22 which will help reduce the current congestion and provide for the anticipated transport demands generated by new housing and employment in the area.
The active travel plans include Cuckoo Trail access improvements in Hailsham, cycling schemes for Polegate High Street and Dittons Road in Stone Cross, the development of a walking zone in Hailsham, and traffic management, walking, wheeling and cycling improvements along Hempstead Lane.
Councillor Claire Dowling, the council’s lead member for transport and environment, said: “The ambitious junction improvement scheme for this section of the A22, which is a major road in the county, will help support the creation of jobs and homes locally and countywide.
“However, as well as improvements to cut congestion and reduce journey times, it is important we look at measures to develop alternative travel options in the local area.
“The Active Travel proposals will help improve the safety of pedestrians and cyclists as well as encourage people to consider cycling, walking and wheeling as alternatives to driving when travelling near the A22.
“I encourage residents, businesses and community organisations to take part in the consultation and give their views so we can ensure we identify the proposals which best meet the needs of local people.”
The consultation runs until Sunday, 8 December and a series of events will be held to give residents the opportunity to view the proposals and ask officers questions.
Drop-in events will take place at the following locations:
- James West Community Centre, Hailsham – Thursday 7 November from 2.30pm to 5.30pm, and Tuesday 12 November from 2.30pm to 5.30pm
- Community Association Centre, Polegate – Saturday 23 November from 10.30am to 2.30pm
- St Luke’s Parish Centre, Stone Cross – Thursday 28 November from 3pm to 7pm
The A22 junction improvement scheme and proposed complementary active travel measures would be delivered through a combination of Department for Transport Major Road Network Funding, and local development contributions.
The feedback received through the consultation will help shape the final active travel proposals which would then be included in the final full business case submitted to the government in 2025/26.
A report on the outcomes from the consultation will be available in the spring of next year.
To take part in the consultation visit https://consultation.eastsussex.gov.uk/economy-transport-environment/a22-active-travel-measures
To request a printed copy of the survey, please contact A22ActiveMeasures.Consultation@eastsussex.gov.uk
Copies of the survey will also be available from the Wealden District Council offices in Hailsham as well as Hailsham Town Council and Hailsham Library, and from the Polegate Town Council offices in Polegate.