Road safety

Published: 16 June 2025

Road safety improvements in Westbourne

The Parish Council plans to apply to West Sussex County Council in July 2025 for improvements to be made to some areas of the public highway to make walking and cycling safer in the village centre, as well as on Whitechimney Row and Woodmancote Lane. 

Westbourne is unique in having a centre-wide 20mph zone, introduced by the Parish Council nearly 15 years ago. This has played a key part in improving road safety, with the village seeing a 30% reduction in road casualties in the last decade from these reduced speeds, combined with our active Community Speedwatch Group and speed indicator devices on key entry roads. 

With the recent success of road safety initiatives, such as the new 30mph zone past the children's playground on Monk's Hill, and newly introduced signs guiding HGVs away from the village centre, the Parish Council is keen to take this further to continue to improve road safety for Westbourne residents.  

Proposals for The Square, Westbourne

1. Add a pavement section near the bin outside the Surgery and add a pavement triangle and planter outside the Window Box to avoid parking blocking The Square near the Co-op.
2. Parking restrictions and one way system past the Co-op.
3. One way signs into The Square by the Lamb buildings, plus widen the pavement and install bollards near Spice Cottage.
4. Safety pavement outside the Stag's Head.
5. Apply for a pedestrian crossing at The Square (but this may not be an option if there are issues with space restrictions).
6. Apply for a bus cage outside Westbourne cafe (but there may not be an option if there are issues with space restrictions)
7. Refresh of double yellow lines.

Proposals for Woodmancote and Whitechimney Row 

1.  South Lane to be reducted to 30mph from 40mph.
2. Woodmancote Lane to be 30mph and Woodmancote village to be a 20 mph zone plus signage.
3. Change of junction to give priority to Old Farm Lane/Stein Road traffic with revised give way lines.
4. Whitechimney Row south end to be reduced to 20mph from 40mph.
5. New pavement bollards at the north end of Whitechimney Row to prevent parking. 
6. Old Farm Lane to be reduced to 30pmh from national speed limit. 

Have your say

The Parish Council would like to consult with residents on these proposals and you can send you comments, and other suggestions for improving road safety in Westbourne, by email to clerk@westbourne-pc.gov.uk