‘Roads like a racetrack’ calls for more speed checks in Hailsham

By Paul Gibson

‘It’s lethal to walk on some bits of Hempstead Lane’, ‘they come over Hawks Road bridge like they are the Dukes of Hazzard’ and ‘Anglesey Avenue is a race track’, are just a few of the worrying comments from residents following an appeal for more speed checks in the town.

A recent discussion on the Hailsham News and Talk Facebook group opened the doors to an array of reports from all parts of the town of speeding motorists at all times of the day and night.

One resident reports three cats being killed in just one month on London Road and called for drivers to slow down before someone is killed.

Hawthylands Road, Summerheath Road, Mill Road, Gleneagles, Hawks Road, Hempstead Lane and Station Road are just a handful of roads that have been highlighted as problem areas by people who live nearby.

Sussex Police launched Operation Downsway in response to anti-social driving in Hailsham and surrounding areas which sees officers regularly carrying out speed checks, mobile phone and seatbelt checks - but residents say this isn’t enough, as it’s becoming a big problem in the town.

One comment on the thread stated: “We have the same problem on Summerheath Road. The problem is everyone either thinks it’s big and clever, or they think they are on the most important journey ever.”

Another angry resident quoted: “I live in Battle Road and it’s terrible, they speed past the school. I’ve lost countless mirrors and had a car written off. Time to put speed cameras in.” are focusing on this. Enforcement is key!”

Police Officers regularly issue Section 59 warnings under the Police Reform Act 2002, to drivers/riders acting in an anti-social manner. Police have then also been able to seize a number of vehicles where people have been issued with a Section 59 warning but have persisted with driving anti-socially. Vehicles have also been seized for being driven with no insurance.

I live in Battle Road and it’s terrible, they speed past the school.

42 fatal and 1107 serious collisions were reported in Sussex in 2019

East Sussex County Councillor for Hailsham New Town, Gerard Fox told Hailsham News: “There is a general sense as we emerge from lockdown that driving disciplines have deteriorated in and around the Town. Irresponsible drivers don’t seem to realise that they are putting their own futures at risk as well as being a danger to everyone else. I’m pleased that the police

He added: “At my instigation, ESCC Highways experimented with temporary Behavioural Speed Warning signs in Brunel Drive earlier this year. These can be useful in some contexts. I’m currently exploring the viability of forming a Community Speed-watch group with a number of Anglesey Avenue residents. The hurdle for instigating 100% Highways funded traffic calming projects is quite high, but by liaising with the Town Council, local residents’ groups can also explore additional jointly funded local transport initiatives via the Community Match Scheme.”

In March 2019, there were calls for members of the public to take part in a Community Speedwatch scheme in the Gleneagles area, an opportunity for local people to assist Sussex Police by reporting drivers exceeding the speed limit by holding regular roadside checks.