The government have released a new Road Safety Strategy for the UK, the first in over 10 years.

The Strategy outlines the governments vision to “…ensure that people can travel safely on roads in Great Britain…”.

Along with a number of safety performance indicators they have set a 65% reduction target for the number of people seriously injured or killed on roads by 2035, using a 2022 to 2024 baseline, with an even more stretching target of 70% for children under 16.

The strategy will help save thousands of lives and deliver on the government’s commitment to growth, safer communities and easing pressure on the NHS.

The Strategy places a focus on delivering a Safe System approach, in which everyone has a shared responsibility for road safety. This mirrors the approach taken in the West Sussex Road Safety Strategy.

Additionally, they are undertaking public consultations on 5 themes contained within the Strategy, urging interested parties to respond:

• Motoring offences
• Introducing a minimum learning period for learner drivers (category B driving licence)
• Introducing mandatory eyesight testing for older drivers
• Improving moped and motorcycle training, testing and licensing (categories AM, A1, A2 and A driving licence) 
• Mandating vehicle safety technologies in GB type approval

Responses need to be submitted by 31 March 2026.

Downs Link Signage Improvement Project

Sustrans, now known as the 'Walk, Wheel, Cycle Trust', have funded a signage improvement project for specific locations along the Downs Link.

The work will erect new directional signs that meet their specification for the National Cycling Network, including the route number and useful information such as distances to the nearest village.

The new signs are being installed on highways including where the Downs Link meets roads.

Highway Improvement Works

We are undertaking highway improvements across the county, with the following projects starting in the coming weeks.

Jane Murray Way, Burgess Hill

We are starting work on a project to create three pedestrian refuge islands on Jane Murray Way, Burgess Hill starting 21 January to 10 March 2026. This will improve the pedestrian safety when accessing the Green Circle public right of way.

The road will remain open, but there will be temporary lights will be in operation, so please allow extra time for your journey during this time.

You can read further information on the work at One Network - https://one.network/?GB143054292

A29 Shripney Road, Bersted

Work will take place on the A29, Shripney, to improve road safety for pedestrians and road users. Near the A29 junction with Shripney Lane we will be reducing the 40mph to 30mph and installing a new uncontrolled pedestrian crossing on the A29. In addition, the 30mph on Shripney Lane will be reduced to 20mph.

The works are due to run from the 16 February till 17 March. The road will remain open, but there will be temporary lights in operation, please allow extra time for your journey during this time.

You can read further information on the work at One Network - https://one.network/?GB143535989 

Bracklesham Lane, East Wittering

Works to improve the crossing facilities began on the 12 January and will run through until 25 February. We will be updating all crossing points around the crossroads of Bracklesham Lane with Stocks Lane and Beech Avenue.

There will be multi way traffic light in operation, but the road will remain open. Where the foot path is affected an alternative route will be provided.

You can read further information on the work at One Network - https://one.network/?GB143654911 

Road Safety Improvements in Cuckfield

Work is due take place on Hanlye Lane, Cuckfield to improve safety for everyone using the road. The project running from the 26 January to 20 February 2026 follows concerns about the number of crashes on the road.

The plans include extending the 30mph speed limit to match the Cuckfield Parish boundary, and introducing a 40mph limit on the rest of the lane. Signs along the route will also be upgraded, this includes clearer warning signs, chevrons and verge marker posts on the four bends.

We will also be undertaking some drainage work and cutting back vegetation while on site.

For part of the works, Hanlye Lane will need to be closed because the road is too narrow to keep workers and drivers safe. At other times, two‑way temporary traffic lights will be used to manage traffic.

You can read further information on the work at One Network - https://one.network/?GB144102212

Road Safety Scheme under construction at Washington Roundabout

From 5 January to 13 February 2026, road safety improvements are being carried out at the Washington Roundabout, where the A24 and A283 meet.

Between 2019 and 2023, there were 33 collisions at this junction, 6 resulting in serious injuries, with a disproportionate number of them involving motorcyclists.

These improvements target the main causes of the collisions, which typically involve harsh braking and rear end shunts on the approaches and entry points to the roundabout,  

The improvements work will include: - 

• A new 30mph speed limit on the A283 through Washington, which includes the roundabout. 
• New 50mph buffer speed limits on the A24 to slow approach speeds. 
• Visibility fencing on the A24 to discourage early decision-making. 
• New road markings on the roundabout to guide traffic flow. 
• Enhanced give way signs and markings on the eastbound approach.  
• Vegetation clearance to improve visibility of signage. 

These measures aim to make the roundabout safer and reduce future collisions. 

Follow Road Safety on Facebook for safety advice and updates on safety schemes in your area.

Zebra Crossing Improvements

Work will take place on Aldwick Road, Bognor Regis, to improve the existing zebra crossing. The project running 12 to 25 February, will add tactile paving to help people with visual impairments and will see the crossing beacons relocated to accommodate this change.

To carry out the work safely, one lane will be closed at times. Traffic will be managed with temporary lights, so drivers should expect short delays.

Apologies for any delay this may cause, these improvements aim to make the crossing safer and easier for everyone to use.

You can read more information on One.Network - https://one.network/?GB143036168

Utility Projects Update

This section provides updates on projects being carried out by utility companies across the West Sussex Highways Network.

Gas Works

Bersted

Essential works on North Bersted Street, Bersted, to replace the gas main and its connections to all residential properties has begun until 8 May 2026 with 24-hour road closure from the Royal Oak pub to the dead end outside number 82. These improvements are critical to ensure the safety and reliability of the gas supply. 

Yapton

Southern Gas Network (SGN) has now progressed to phase two, focusing on the replacement of lower-pressure gas pipes. A full road closure is currently in place on Bilsham Road (B2132) in Yapton.

Due to health and safety reasons, Lovey Road will be closed throughout the duration of works.

To help minimise disruption, Power On (responsible for high-voltage cable installation) and Portsmouth Water (focused on leakage detection and consumption tracking) will collaborate with Southern Gas Network (SGN) by utilising the available road space during the closure of Bilsham Road.

Phase three will commence from Monday 20 April to Friday 5 June 2026, with road closure on Yapton Road B2132. 

Worthing

Planned works for the gas main replacement on Victoria Road and A2031 Teville Road in Worthing are now progressing to phase two:

• Road Closure on Victoria Road from 27 October 2025 until 20 Feb 2026
• Road closure on Teville Road from Monday 19 January for 14 weeks.This has been pushed back by a week due to emergency works to repair two broken mains on Oxford Road.

Vehicle access to Worthing Train Station (except for buses) All vehicle access to Worthing Train Station will be via Cross Street. Access out will be via Oxford Road onto Teville Road via the diversion route.

Buses running to Worthing station will be operating on a reduced timetable, we’d advise passengers to contact their service provider for the latest updates/changes to service.

Horsham

From  Monday 26 January, old gas pipes replacement works will be carried out in the Albion Way area, Horsham. There will be lane closure in both direction and the works will be carried out in phases lasting an approximate six weeks combined. Please click here if you need more information. 

Chichester

Gas works are currently being carried out on the A286 Birdham Road, Chichester and are expected to last approximately 10 weeks under multi-way traffic lights.

We understand that ongoing roadworks can be disruptive, and we truly appreciate your patience and understanding. These upgrades are necessary to ensure the long-term safety and reliability of gas supply. 

If you need further information about these works, you can contact SGN Customer Service Team by email Customer@sgn.co.uk or alternatively you can call them on 0800 912 1700. For travel and route diversion, please follow Causeway one.network.

Essential Power Network Upgrades in Crawley:

UK Power Networks is currently undertaking a project to replace underground electricity cables between Three Bridges and Fleming Way as part of their ongoing investment in the local electricity network. 

From 5 January 2026, works are being carried out on Hazelwick Avenue (Northbound) with a road closure in place for approximately 6 weeks. This will be followed by temporary traffic lights from 16 February 2026 to 10 April 2026, operating between 08:00 and 18:00. 

If you have any specific concerns, you can contact their customer care team on 0800 028 4587 or care@ukpowernetworks.co.uk. 

Keep up to date 📱💻

Facebook, X, Bluesky & WhatsApp

Updates on emergency reports are posted every day and project updates are posted frequently on the West Sussex Highways Facebook @West Sussex Highways, X @WSHighways, and Bluesky @wshighways.bsky.social accounts.

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Produced by the Customer Communications Officer, Highways Transport and Planning. Please contact active.communities@westsussex.gov.uk with any comments or suggestions for future articles.