East Sussex BSIP - A259 Upperton Road/Station Parade, Eastbourne - Traffic Regulation Order Pre-consultation

Overview

East Sussex Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP)
A259 Upperton Road/Station Parade, Eastbourne
Traffic Regulation Order Pre-consultation

The Traffic Regulation Order Pre-consultation has now closed. Information will be collated and all feedback received will be considered. The formal Traffic Regulation Order consultation was scheduled to be advertised in February 2025, however this will now take place in Spring 2025. The exact dates for the formal Traffic Regulation Order will be comunicated in advance.

Following the public consultation in summer 2023, we would like to provide an update on the proposed A259 Upperton Road/Station Parade bus priority scheme in Eastbourne before advertising the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO). This is so you are aware of our scheme proposals and can have your say prior to the formal TRO advertisement process. 

A TRO is a legal document that controls traffic flow, parking and speed-limits. TROs help the Highway Authority to manage the road network for all users, including pedestrians, and can improve road safety and access to facilities. 

Background

The A259 Upperton Road/Station Parade scheme in Eastbourne is part of a package of bus priority measures that the County Council consulted upon in summer 2023 at feasibility stage. Approval to progress the scheme to preliminary design, detailed design and construction was given by the County Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Environment in January 2024. 

The proposals are currently at preliminary design stage and have been refined in response to further assessment of the bus priority benefits, the feedback received during the 2023 consultation, the outcomes of the on-site surveys (which has included, but was not limited to traffic surveys and topographical surveys), estimated costs and the aims of the East Sussex Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).

The scheme will be funded through Bus Service Improvement Plan funding that East Sussex County Council has received from Government to deliver bus priority infrastructure in the county.

The introduction of the A259 Upperton Road/Station Parade bus priority scheme will build on the existing bus priority measures in Eastbourne town centre on Terminus Road from the station to Bankers Corner as well as in Gildredge Road.  It is integral to delivering the East Sussex Local Transport Plan 4, so that residents can enjoy higher quality bus services, improved journey times with reduced delays, that provide a frequent, integrated and comprehensive choice and alternative to the car.

In doing so, the bus priority measures will help to support connectivity to key destinations, reduce congestion and strengthen the resilience of the transport network; make a positive contribution towards improving air quality as well as decarbonising transport and travel to support the achievement of the County Council’s target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050 at the latest and the Borough Council’s same ambition by 2030.

Scheme Progress

1. ● Feasibility Stage – Completed 2023
2. ● Public Consultation – Completed 2023
3. ● Preliminary Design including Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) pre-consultation – In Progress
4. ● Advertise formal TRO – Due to commence Spring 2025
5. ● Detailed Design – Due to commence early 2025
6. ● Construction – Due to commence 2025/2026

Bus Priority Proposals

As part of the A259 Upperton Road/Station Parade bus priority scheme, we are proposing to:

• Introduce a new dedicated bus lane eastbound between Wharf Road and the railway station.
• Introduce a new dedicated bus lane westbound between Station Roundabout and Hartfield Road.
• Amend the bus layby on A259 Upperton Road opposite Cuckmere House, allowing buses to pull in and out more easily.
• Remove the dedicated right-turn lane on A259 Upperton Road into Hartfield Road.
• Amending the nearside lane on A259 Upperton Road heading eastbound, allowing only buses and left-turning vehicles.
• Retain the existing Station Roundabout, with minor changes made to the kerbline from Southfields Road to reduce speeds.
• Upgrade the existing staggered pedestrian crossings on Station Parade and Upperton Road to allow pedestrian crossing in one movement.
• Removal of loading and unloading from Station Parade and parts of Upperton Road.

Proposal plans

Please see the below plans showing the proposed layout and changes in the scheme.

You can also view and download a PDF copy of the scheme proposals here.

Printed copies of the proposals can be found at:
EASTBOURNE TOWN HALL
Grove Rd,
BN21 4UG

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of these documents in a different format, or you have problems accessing the documents generally, please email BSIPconsultation@eastsussex.gov.uk to let us know.

Why your views matter

We welcome your comments on these proposed changes.

The comments we receive at this Traffic Regulation Order pre-consultation stage will help shape the final proposals that are advertised at the formal Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) stage in Spring 2025.

You can also write to us with your comments at BSIPconsultation@eastsussex.gov.uk or post to:

BSIP TRO Pre-Consultation
ESCC Postal Hub,
County Hall,
St. Anne’s Crescent,
Lewes,
BN7 1UE

Please respond with any feedback on the proposals by 23:59 on 16/01/2025.

East Sussex County Council takes data protection seriously. For further information please see our Privacy Notice here and at the bottom of this page.

What happens next

The Traffic Regulation Order Pre-consultation has now closed. Information will be collated and all feedback received will be considered.

The formal Traffic Regulation Order consultation is scheduled to be advertised in Spring 2025.