Release dated: 25 April 2022
Public engagement starts today (25 April) on proposed cycling, walking and bus improvements in Comptons Lane, Horsham.
The joint proposals, by West Sussex County Council and Horsham District Council, would support safer journeys to and from The Forest School and help reduce congestion in this busy road.
Interested members of the community are invited to see the designs on display at The Forest School between 6pm and 8pm on Wednesday, 11 May, and to complete an online survey to help inform next steps for the scheme.
The proposals comprise two separate but complementary elements, with feedback sought on both:
- Cycling and walking improvements: for dedicated spaces for pedestrians and cyclists, and priority crossings to improve safety and access to the school. A key element is to reconfigure the junction where Bennetts Road meets Comptons Lane. A revised junction layout is proposed, giving priority to people travelling on foot and by bike, and aims to help make journeys safer and easier for all road users. Pedestrians and cyclists will be encouraged to travel via the service road, as a safer alternative to the main Comptons Lane road, which can get congested, particularly during busy school periods. A dedicated cycle track will be provided leading up to the Forest School entrance, connecting with the existing path outside the school.
- Bus improvement scheme: to provide a new bus lay-by outside The Forest School, improve traffic flow and support safer access for bus users. Comptons Lane is a busy bus route, with up to eight services arriving at the school twice a day. The scheme will help address safety concerns raised by the school and help alleviate congestion. Following earlier feedback, the design of the bus lay-by has been altered to ensure that the oak tree outside the school is retained.
Joy Dennis, West Sussex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport said; said: “We hope these high-quality proposals for cycling, walking and bus-related improvements will improve safety for all road users, encourage active/sustainable travel choices and reduce congestion.
“I would encourage people to please let us know what they think of the proposals via the online survey.”
Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Planning & Development, Lynn Lambert said: “These proposals come directly from Horsham’s first Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, (LCWIP), which was adopted by Horsham District Council in 2020. We are grateful to all local stakeholders and the public who gave their time to support and develop our plan and it is wonderful to see this plan begin to come to life.”
Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Horsham Town, Cllr Christian Mitchell added: “We welcome these hugely positive proposals by West Sussex County Council to improve walking and cycling routes in Horsham. This is the type of high-quality infrastructure investment that is required to encourage active travel take-up, cycling, e-biking or walking in Horsham, with all the health and environmental benefits switching to these modes of transport can provide.
“These schemes will improve the safety and confidence of those who choose to walk or cycle by creating safer spaces for cyclists, pedestrians and other vulnerable road users, and help ease congestion outside the school gates.”
For more information about the proposals, including about how to get involved and a link to the online survey, which is open until 06 June 2022, please visit: https://yourvoice.westsussex.gov.uk/comptonslane-horsham
