As many constituents know I have been spending time looking at ways to improve safety on our rural roads, which I know is a
real concern for many people. Recently, I met with Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne in Chiddingfold to see how average speed cameras are working in practice.
Issues like speeding, noisy vehicles, and anti-social driving come up again and again, especially in our villages. While police operations like Downsway do make a difference, they can’t be everywhere all the time. That’s where technology can help, by providing a more consistent way to slow traffic down. From the speeding data gathered in my recent survey, roads like the A272, A285 and A283 stand out as places where this approach could be particularly useful. There are plans to consult the public on introducing more of these cameras across Sussex, which is a positive step. If done well, it could make a noticeable difference for drivers, cyclists and residents alike.
There has also been some movement on proposals to reorganise local government in West Sussex, though things remain unclear and have already been delayed. The big concern is that breaking the county into smaller administrative areas could bring extra costs and make everyday services more complicated. Things like school catchment areas, road maintenance, and social care all work best when they’re joined up, and there’s a risk that splitting things up could disrupt that. I know West Sussex has a strong sense of identity, and I am pressing for this to be taken into account as these discussions continue. With local elections coming up on 7th May, I hope many will bear this in mind when considering the direction we should take.
Andrew Griffith is the Member of Parliament for Arundel and South Downs
Contact details: Andrew Griffith MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA
Email: Andrew.griffith.mp@parliament.uk Website: www.andrewgriffith.uk