Agenda item

A27 Worthing and Lancing Improvements Scheme Options Consultation

To consider a report from the Director for the Economy, a copy is attached as item 10.

Minutes:

Before the Committee was a report by the Director for the Economy copies of which had been circulated to all Members and a copy of which is attached to the signed copy of these minutes as Item 10.

 

The purpose of this report before the Committee was to provide members of the Joint Strategic Committee Sub-Committee with an opportunity to respond to the A27 Worthing and Lancing improvements scheme Options consultation currently being undertaken by National Highways.

 

Members discussed the report and expressed disappointment at the lack of investment or improvement that was proposed as part of the scheme. It was opined that the money would be better spent on active travel options particularly as proposed improvements hinted at walking and cycling infrastructure improvements but provided no funding for this. Support was given to the proposal to convert Upper Brighton Road into a one-way road.

 

Members agreed to recommend that the Director for the Economy be delegated to draft an additional recommendation in relation to walking and cycling infrastructure in consultation with the Leader

 

Decision

 

The Adur Sub Committee of the Joint Strategic Committee authorised the Council’s response to National Highways consultation on the A27 Worthing and Lancing improvements scheme Options consultation in the following terms:

 

i) That National Highways stated aim of making sure potential future improvements to transport in the Worthing and Lancing area can still happen is welcomed;

 

ii) That the limited scope of the project and reduction in the finances available to deliver it, even compared with the RIS1 scheme, mean that Consultation Options do not reflect the strategic ambition set out on Transport for the South East’s Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) and in particular, the SIP’s emphasis on integrating transport, digital and energy networks, together with a high-quality, reliable, safe, and accessible transport network;

 

iii) That the absence of any proposed improvements to the Grinstead Lane roundabout is a significant concern given the level of congestion experienced by those using this junction;

 

iv) That the proposal to convert Upper Brighton Road into a one-way road eastbound and stop vehicles using this road as a ‘rat-running’ opportunity is welcome;

 

v) That the proposals for improving the Busticle Lane Junction, including those improve access across the A27 for walkers and cyclists are welcome; but there is a significant concern that these improvements are recorded in the consultation as offering poor value for money and therefore unlikely to be implemented;

 

vi) That the principal benefits of the scheme appear to be reduced travel times between the key junctions on the A27 in Worthing; and that whilst significant in terms of the Department for Transport’s Benefit Cost Ratio analysis, these represent only a modest improvement and would require a year-long construction period;

 

vii) That it is disappointing that only slight improvements are recorded for air quality and noise and the accident level impact is recorded as only neutral.

 

viii) That the Director for the Economy be delegated to draft an additional recommendation in relation to walking and cycling infrastructure in consultation with the Leader

 

Call-in

 

The call-in deadline for the decision will be 5.00pm on Friday 17 March 2023.

Supporting documents: