Concerns raised over new Eastbourne bus lane

The council said the changes could save buses 76 hours of journey time a week

Concerns have been raised about a controversial proposed bus lane in Eastbourne.

East Sussex County Council has opened a consultation process over plans to install a new bus lane along the A259 - Seaside and St Anthony's Avenue - as part of wider improvements.

However, some residents and businesses have criticised the proposal over concerns about its possible negative impact on the area.

The council said the lane would provide a more reliable bus service and cut journey times for as many as 14,000 passengers a week.

Liberal Democrat MP for Eastbourne Josh Babarinde said he wanted "robust reassurance" from the council on how the bus lane would impact congestion.

St Anthony's Councillor David Tutt said he was "particularly troubled by the risk of worsened air quality" along the road if plans went ahead.

The issue locals were most concerned about was the loss of parking, according to East Sussex County Council.

Reduce congestion

The local authority revised plans for the bus lane following a public consultation in 2023.

“It’s important that any measures we put in place are successful and have the most positive effect on the area," said a council spokesperson.

"We have listened to feedback on our initial proposals and the concerns about the loss of parking."

The council said its new plans include space for more than 100 cars in Seaside and St Anthony’s Avenue, as well as steps to improve bus reliability and cut congestion.

The latest public consultation ends on 18 August.