Ninfield traffic concerns

That was how Wealden District Council leader Pam Doodes described residents demanding additions to the proposed Ninfield traffic calming proposals, put forward at a meeting at Ninfield Memorial Hall last week.

Proposed speed restrictions are: current 60mph limit at the Standard Hill end of the village down to 50mph; from 40mph to 30mph through the village and from 50 to 40mph on Bexhill Road at the South end of the village.

Further proposals were: A new mini roundabout at the Catsfied Road junction, a zebra crossing, lighting opposite the Blacksmiths Inn public house and, removal of the existing central white line to be replaced with lines on either side of the road (to give motorists the impression of visual narrowing).

Although initial reactions were that the proposals were inadequate, the end of the meeting saw a calmer and more resigned acceptance of the plans which Cllr Doodes said was due to people's "realisation of what it has taken to get this far."

Detailing the proposed plans was senior design engineer Philip Handrihan.

Also present at the packed meeting was the chairman of Ninfield Parish Council, Cllr Roger Kent, Cllr Bill Bentley and, Cllr Roger Thomas.

The A269 which runs through Ninfield was classed as a priority site for traffic calming measures by East Sussex County Council, having been assessed on factors such as accident records, traffic flows, vehicle speeds, pedestrians, cyclists and proximity to schools. Many residents felt that the speed limit should be reduced to 30mph for the entire stretch of road through the village, especially as the limit will increase at the point of where school children will cross the road.

Mr Handrihan explained that current government legislation means that this is not an option at the present time but that Ninfield is , "top of the traffic calming priority list", and if plans are approved construction will begin by January 2008.

Cllr Doodes, a strong supporter of traffic calming measures, said: "Ideally we all want lower speed limits but we don't want to lose the funding we have been given in this financial year.

"Let's get something in the village, see how it works and build on it. Speed limits take time and we can continue to fight for more."

Residents were asked to complete a questionnaire and express their views in writing which will then be taken into consideration before a final decision is made.