It’s the small road that takes tourists to Winchelsea Beach, but unbelievably Dogs Hill Road has signs suggesting the speed limit is sixty miles an hour says Natalia Brożyńska. She says change is needed now.
There’s a serious road safety concern regarding the National Speed Limit (NSL) transition point on Dogs Hill Road, the primary route leading to Winchelsea Beach.
As the photographs show, a “de-restricted” 60mph sign is positioned on a narrow stretch of road directly bordered by residential housing and the local playing field, along the route used by residents and visitors accessing the beach. This field is at the heart of our community – a vital space where children play and residents walk their dogs. Placing a 60mph speed limit sign within immediate proximity of a playground warning sign undermines the fundamental principles of road safety.
The situation has become so concerning that residents have resorted to physically turning the sign away from oncoming traffic in an attempt to reduce risk. This has resulted in an ongoing “tug-of-war,” reflecting the level of distress and the sense that our concerns are not being addressed.
I have already contacted East Sussex Highways (Ref: 23797241). Their response indicated that interventions are prioritised based on crash and casualty data. This approach suggests that action will only be taken after a serious incident has occurred, which is deeply troubling.
Icklesham Parish Council has confirmed that they are in full agreement that a 60mph limit at this location is inappropriate, yet no action has been taken.
I am therefore calling for:
- The immediate removal or relocation of the NSL signage to prevent unsafe acceleration near the play area..
- A formal review with a view to extending the 30mph zone beyond the residential area and play field.
- Residents should not have to wait for a preventable tragedy before appropriate safety measures are implemented.
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Image Credits: Natalia Brożyńska .
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Here in Fairlight Cove that is largely serviced by single track lanes we were very concerned about speeding. Lower Waites Lane, the spine road in the Cove also forms part of the King Charles 111 England Coast Path which is regularly used by adult and child walkers who have to run the gauntlet of speeding vans etc.
As the Parish Council at the time gave us no support we put down a couple of speed humps and various signs urging traffic to travel at no more than 20MPH. A local Councillor, no longer on our Council thankfully, took it upon herself to complain to East Sussex Highways.
Cue a threatening visit from their Enforcement Officer who, after threatening legal action if we didn’t remove the humps and signs, not only put up a new NSL sign but cut back the hedges that she claimed were blocking the signs from view. We were told that, unless there was a serious accident that we should just suck it up and live with the NSL.
Fortunately Southern Water have been very busy lining our sewage pipes and are now replacing our mains water pipes. This work will continue for the rest of the year and has done a great job of slowing the traffic. Our battle to get a 20MPH limit will have to restart soon.