Council refines plan for dedicated bus lanes

Final plans for dedicated bus lanes aimed at reducing congestion in Newhaven's town centre will be announced after the consultation period ends on Thursday.

East Sussex County Council has refined its proposals for full-time lanes on a busy section of the A259.

An East Sussex County Council spokesperson said: "The proposals for this section of the A259 have been refined further from the consultation proposals in 2023 to maximise the bus priority measures whilst also balancing the needs of other road users."

Newhaven MP, James MacCleary, described the present situation in the town centre as a "crisis".

"We have worked hard to change the perception of Newhaven and there is so much to be positive about, but on the A259 there isn't an easy solution," he said.

"Queuing traffic throughout the day is causing frustration and delays, affecting local businesses and residents."

The proposed lanes would operate both east and west along The Drove, from the Drove Roundabout to Denton Roundabout, and westbound bus lane on approach to the new bus stop on A259 Seaford Road.

The council said the new plans would retain and relocate the existing shared footway and cycleway on the south side of the road between the two roundabouts as well as provide a westbound bus lane.

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