Hello

I’ve been hearing from residents who are increasingly concerned about speeding, dangerous driving and vehicle noise on two of our main routes in West Sussex – the A285 between Halnaker and Duncton, and the A272 between Petworth and Midhurst. Many local people have been asking what more can be done to slow drivers down and make these roads safer.

One option that has been suggested is the use of average speed cameras. Unlike traditional speed cameras that capture your speed at a single point, average speed cameras monitor your speed over a longer stretch of road. They do this using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), recording the time it takes a vehicle to travel between two or more cameras. If your average speed over that distance exceeds the limit, a fine is issued.

These cameras have been shown to reduce speeding and improve road safety in other parts of Sussex, as well as just over the border in Surrey.

Before taking any further steps, I want to hear directly from those who live near these roads or use them regularly. Your views are important, and they will help me understand whether average speed cameras – or other measures – are the right way forward to improve safety for everyone.

The results of this survey will help inform my decision on whether to pursue working with the relevant authorities to seek the installation of cameras on these sections of road - or on other roads. If these issues affect you, I encourage you to share your thoughts and take part.

Praise for Police Officer Recruitment Performance

I was pleased to receive some positive feedback from the Chair of the Sussex Police and Crime Panel following my oversight and scrutiny of Sussex Police’s progress in maintaining the Home Office baseline headcount for police officers. Panel members were impressed by the progress that has been made and asked that their congratulations be passed on to the Sussex Police Chief Constable and her People Services Team who lead on recruitment. The Panel noted that the benefits of this work are already being felt across local divisions, which is encouraging to hear.

I am also pleased that the Panel recognised my role in holding the Chief Constable to account and in continuing to raise this issue with government. Sussex Police currently operate with the highest officer numbers since 2012. However, there is now a stark financial reality framing future spending decisions - the Force is currently facing a £7 million deficit for the 2026/27 financial year.

As one of the lowest-funded police forces in the country, I will continue to use my voice in Westminster to demand a fairer funding formula for Sussex and a settlement that reflects the true cost of modern policing.

Katy Bourne OBE
Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner