New Exceat Bridge - Cuckmere Valley

 Please would you consider writing in about this?  Thanks 

East Sussex County Council wants to install a new bridge in the Cuckmere Valley to take two-way traffic but they are not going to provide any cycle or foot paths. This valley is used by many walkers and cyclists and it would be logical to provide safe cycling and walking from Exceat up the Eastbourne road to Seaford and from the bridge up the hill towards Friston. Sadly the proposal for a new road bridge completely ignores walkers and cyclists.

If you agree with me please would you write in and object to the new bridge? .... and pass this email on to your contacts? Here's how to give your comments:

Here is the link to a planning application on the National Park website:

https://southdownssociety.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a6edcb454c9fce120caf1ade8&id=7dccd59581&e=2ff9abb14c

If this doesn't work go to:

https://planningpublicaccess.southdowns.gov.uk/online-applications/

go to "Simple Search"  then enter the planning application number:

SDNP/21/02342/FUL

or write to:

planning@southdowns.gov.uk   using the planning application number in the title of your email.

Here is a set of words you could use in an objection:

This application completely fails to provide for cycling and is poor on walking provision despite an estimated cost of around £6 Million.

ESCC is totally out of step with the need to establish safe, continuous infrastructure, particularly on a National Cycle Route. Exceat Bridge forms part of National Cycle Route 2, the long-distance South Coast Cycle Route and is part of the Avenue Verte, linking London and Paris.

ESCC's analysis on cycling is deficient. There is an attempt to justify the lack of provision for cycling, but ESCC should be implementing Government guidance on planning for cycling and walking such as: Gear Change, A bold vision for cycling and walking, Department for Transport, July 2020 and Cycle Infrastructure Design (LTN 1/20) "Guidance for local authorities on designing high-quality, safe cycle infrastructure" July 2020.

There is a lot of potential in the Cuckmere valley for family cycling. The area is a very attractive destination in itself, and should not be treated simply as a corridor for motor traffic on the A259. There are off-road cycling and walking routes in Friston Forest, along the Cuckmere and to Seaford. Plans should aim for traffic reduction and prioritising active and inclusive travel at this East Sussex beauty spot, rather than increasing road capacity which will bring yet more motor traffic. ESCC observing “lower levels of family recreational cycling" simply demonstrates the low level of cycling provision acceptable to such groups. It does not justify doing nothing. 66% of people think it's too dangerous to cycle on the roads. There is no dedicated path for cycling in these plans. If there were, it would enable families and individuals to cycle.

E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular and go up hills easily, so hilly landscape is no longer much of a deterrent for cycling, but close and fast moving motor traffic definitely is. The bridge widening and facilitation of motor vehicles will increase motor vehicle traffic speed and create more dangerous conditions for anyone cycling, walking, wheeling including bus passengers.

A signalised crossing should also be provided so that pedestrians, cyclists and all vulnerable groups can cross more safely. Longer distance motor vehicle journeys should be done on the A27. 

Road cyclists are more at risk of injury on roads with fast motor traffic, and rural roads are worse. The speed limit across Exceat Bridge should be 20 mph, and this should be made clear through road design. 30 mph limits should be extended rather than 40 mph. The National Speed Limit of 60 mph is too high. Lower speed limits, traffic calming and enforcement measures are necessary to control bad driving.

ESCC needs to radically update its approach to transport, take note of the latest guidance on Active Travel and implement a strategy to reduce motor vehicle traffic so that the very considerable disbenefits to health and the environment coming from this mode of transport are greatly decreased. There needs to be investment in provision so that people have an opportunity to experience the countryside by active, inclusive and sustainable travel without constantly having to dodge motor traffic.

Thank you