In my constituency newsletter last week I launched my new campaign to clamp down on roadworks involving temporary traffic lights and lane closures which seem to be for the convenience of the utility company or highways authority doing the works oblivious of the disruption caused to motorists. I have sat in long tailbacks, notably on the A259 in Shoreham and Lancing where no work is taking place and there are no holes in the road which necessitate taking a road out of circulation.
Early this year I had reports of long delays on the Brighton Road in Lancing caused by Southern Water excavations. I challenged them who immediately responded it was emergency work for a leak which they can do under statutory powers. When I presented photos and challenged their response they admitted it was actually a simple domestic connection for which they had paid just £65. Given the prolonged disruption caused by various closures on the A27 recently when the A259 becomes the alternative route this has just added insult to injury.
Over several weeks until recently there were 3-way lights just close to the Ropetackle causing real chaos with queues blocking the Norfolk Bridge roundabout particularly. The barriers in place in the road putting lanes out of operation seemed to be there purely to provide a parking space for the heavy plant over the weekend when no work was taking place. Again, this has been reported to the highways department and it is particularly disappointing given that the County Council has pioneered lane charging to penalise financially companies who seemingly take ages on simple roadworks.
Thank you to all those who have reported other annoying roadworks to me. Please keep them coming.
Finally, happy 75th birthday to our fantastic NHS and particularly all those who work in our local hospitals, surgeries and other services. Despite all the post-pandemic challenges currently the NHS will always be one of our national treasures.
