East Ashling residents' '˜delight' over new 30mph speed sign

East Ashling residents delighted that they have a new vehicle activated speed sign in their village

A campaign was launched after increasing concerns over speeding through the village which has caused a number of accidents along the stretch of road.

Residents’ association member, Bob Money said: “We have 16,000 cars go through the village every day – during the peak times there is a lot of traffic but it is between peak hours that speeding becomes a problem.

“The number of vehicles has increased as the A27 has worsened, and drivers are avoiding the alternative route through Fishbourne also because of the speed bumps, speed cameras and roundabouts.

“We have got a couple of footpaths and many elderly residents go to cross the road and then a car comes speeding round the corner – it isn’t safe.”

The association began their campaign to reduce speeding along the B2178 in April 2014, when a ‘traffic workshop’ was held to enlist help from Funtington Parish Council and other authorities.

From then, the parish council submitted a bid to Chichester District council for funds to install the sign.

However, it was not an easy journey from there.

“In September 2014 CDC approved a bid for a grant from the New Homes Bonus scheme for the signs,” continued Mr Money.

“However after that point everything slowed down and nothing more was done until Louise Goldsmith brought it up in a WSCC meeting to resolve delays in October the following year.”

After setbacks including whether the sign would be powered by solar panels or mains electricity, East Ashling Residents’ Association were ‘thrilled’ to see the signs finally installed last month.

Mr Money said: “It took such a long time to get the signs up, each time we thought we had sorted one of the problems there would be another one.

“We are absolutely delighted to finally see them go up.

“It reinforces the message that we are worried about speeding, and when it is set off it makes the driver think ‘I have just triggered that.’”

Mr Money added: “The village is pleased to see that having the signs up and working has made drivers think more about what speed they are doing.

“We just want to try and educate the public to slow down.”

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