At the last Rye Town Council (RTC) meeting, a considerable number of local residents attended to raise concerns about speeding. A site visit was arranged to New Road last Monday, November 28, so that officers from Highways England and East Sussex County Council (ESCC) could see for themselves the issues that residents face.
Cllr Keith Glazier from ESCC, Cllr Paul Osborne from Rother District Council, and Cllrs Andy Rivett, Rebekah Gilbert, Deputy Mayor Mike Boyd and Pat Hughes from RTC were present to listen to some of the anecdotal evidence of speeding, overtaking, and generally dangerous driving that occur along this residential, 30mph road.
An officer from Highways England told the meeting that he would take away the information on everything they had seen and heard, in order to put together a report on what can be done. This should be completed in 6-8 months. However, Cllr Glazier asked for an interim update to advise residents of progress.
[Editorial comment: As an illustration of influence that can be brought to bear by local residents, the A259 New Road action sets a new standard of people power achieving results. A serious accident on September 7 reported in Rye News led to a residents' meeting on October 5 and formation of an action committee. This was followed by representations to Rye Town Council on October 31 and the meeting now with the highways authorities.]
Rebekah Gilbert is a Rye Town Councillor. Photo: Kenneth Bird
