National Highways has confirmed it is looking at ways to combat illegal parking on the A259 along South Undercliff in Rye and hopes to have controls in place this year.
“At present we have no powers in enforcement ourselves,” said Peter Phillips, a National Highways route manager. “We can’t go out there and enforce any of the parking restrictions.” He says enforcement falls to Sussex Police but acknowledged, “It’s not one of their core issues.”
He said the agency has been in discussion with East Sussex County Council about taking on parking responsibility on the A259. “We are working with the county council to get all our roads included in their enforcement.” Traffic wardens would then be able to ticket parked cars which they are currently unable to do.
He suggests that change could happen this year. “It won’t be immediate but I would like to think probably within six months. We want to get it done as quickly as possible because it’s the best way to get the restrictions enforced.” He acknowledged there was still a lot of consultation to do.
Pollution and traffic delays caused by parked cars on the South Undercliff were by far the biggest concerns raised by Rye News readers when we asked for questions to put to National Highways. Road signs along South Undercliff prohibit waiting between 8am and 6pm heading west, with double yellow lines on the opposite side of the road.
“It can be a real bottleneck,” said Peter Phillips. “It carries quite a lot of traffic, especially HGVs. A couple of those bends and the locations there don’t help either in terms of getting lorries through.”
Concerns were also raised about the safety of the road for pedestrians. “It’s the perception of safety, rather than actual personal injury accidents.” He ruled out any further pedestrian crossings. “I don’t think there are any locations down there where a crossing would be of a safer standard than what’s currently working.”
He said National Highways has plans for a safety study of the A259 and had regular meetings with both the police and councils. “In reality motorways are easier for us to look after compared to places like the South Undercliff. The challenges are constant there.”
We’ll have more from National Highways next week, including the story behind the new speed restrictions which have appeared on New Road in Rye.
You can read our first feature on the work of National Highways here.
Image Credits: James Stewart .