21st Century Transport for Eastbourne

Any community that intends to continue making progress, must offer a transport infrastructure that both residents and visitors expect. Local communities demand  good sound links with other locations and a comprehensive, effective local transport system. Eastbourne is no exception and given the importance of transport  for older people in particular,  the subject has been included as an issue for the ESF to focus on in its representation to others on behalf of seniors.

Many will see the current road and rail links connecting Eastbourne with the rest of Sussex as less than adequate. Combine that view with the problems that we face locally of congestion, parking facilities, and irresponsible action by some motorists resulting in obstruction and it is not difficult to see why business and visitors may opt for other locations.  We are, indeed, fortunate to live in Eastbourne but if the town is seen as increasingly difficult to access and suffers from the problem of poor parking facilities, tourists, who are the life-blood of our town will go elsewhere.

The motor car is by far still the most popular form of transport for most of us with 85% of journeys taken by car with only 6% by bus and 7% by rail. With car ownership increasing at a steady rate, the problem can only get worse unless it is tackled now. Most of us will find it more convenient to make our journey by car, not only for reasons of convenience and cost – now that travel by public transport is at an all time high, but also because many of us feel safer and more in control of our journey.

The bus remains for some, the preferred means of travel in and out of town and no more so than for older people, who with the introduction of the bus pass scheme for England, can travel free. There is also talk of  introducing a ‘Park and Ride’ scheme which may well be of benefit given the difficulty of town centre parking for motorists. Day time travel on public transport is generally regarded by most as quite safe. In the summer period, problems of concern are more likely, to be associated with large groups of students queuing at bus stops making it difficult for older people to board.  Safe travel on public transport is a priority for older people – particularly in the late evening. Therefore, wider use of live CCTV on buses in order that the Police can be alerted immediately by the driver when an incident arises should be a priority.  Locally we have experienced the controversy that arose following the introduction of a bus lane in part of the town centre. Introducing a bus lane in the wrong place can have a negative impact on local facilities for both motorist and retailer. This in turn places responsibility on a Local Authority to ensure that the best location has been selected. It remains to be seen how effective the introduction of bus lanes will be for Eastbourne.

Few would disagree that travel by rail is one of the most effective means of travel – assuming that the train runs on time and engineering works do not delay the journey. Older people are more likely to experience problems when boarding and alighting from the train on completion of their journey. Although considerable effort has been put into making Eastbourne Railway Station a safer and more attractive location, it can still represent a threat in the late evening to older people. That fear is likely to be increased considerably when alighting at a small local railway station, unmanned, and in some cases poorly lit at night. The question that must also be asked is, whether some train stations have adequate levels of safety provisions for passengers and staff?

Part of the ESF brief is to identify what older people are seeking in terms of improved transport. It is crucial that the town should move to a more integrated bus and rail system which would enable travellers to plan their journey more effectively. There is also a strong case for improved links between bus and rail at Eastbourne Railway Station which should be combined with improved pedestrian facilities. It is to be hoped that the proposed new Town Centre Development will take account of these points as the development progresses.

There can be no doubt that a much improved fast train service between Eastbourne and London would encourage more businesses to relocate to Eastbourne given the excellent facilities on offer.   At the same time, travel to Eastbourne from major cities both here in the UK and Europe, would become much more attractive. Combine these issues with the introduction of a greatly improved East/West coast train service and a decision to build better road links between Brighton, Eastbourne and Kent and we are well on the way to putting Eastbourne more positively on the map as a location with state of the art transport links.  Many will say that this is thinking the impossible but people have been saying that about the proposal for an A27 dual carriageway between Lewes and Brighton. The record of accidents on this stretch of road more than supports a strong case for a dual carriageway on this section of highway, which serves as a major road link between Eastbourne and elsewhere.

As the Eastbourne Seniors Forum, we see the need for an effective transport system both in and around Eastbourne as supporting the welfare and interests of everyone but in particular, older people. Where appropriate, we will make representation to Local Authorities and liaise with all Organisations directly or indirectly responsible for decisions on current and future transport strategy and traffic management, to raise matters of concern affecting senior