Thousands sign petition for speed bumps

A woman who witnessed a fatal crash at a black spot in East Sussex has launched a campaign for the installation of speed bumps on the road.

The petition for the changes on Beachy Head Road near Eastbourne has been supported by more than 13,000 people.

The initiative was launched by Holly Foster-Carter after she witnessed the crash in August that later killed a motorcyclist. In April, another motorcyclist was killed in a four-vehicle crash on the same road.

In her petition, Ms Foster-Carter said: “It is time we stopped mourning unnecessary losses and took action.”

The fatal crash in August, in which a pedestrian was also injured, is the latest traffic accident this year.

In April, a 29-year-old woman from Battle died after a collision with four vehicles.

In June, a motorcyclist suffered life-changing injuries after a collision with a car.

Ms Foster-Carter said: “Anyone could be the next victim – a motorcyclist, a pedestrian, a local resident, a visitor or even a small child.”

“The people of Eastbourne can no longer stand by and watch as lives continue to be put at risk as cars speed down Beachy Head Road.”

The Eastbourne resident said she believed accidents were common on the road, particularly on sharp bends, due to “excessive speed” and antisocial driving behaviour.

Ms Foster-Carter said the road had become a “hotspot” for accidents.

She believes that speed bumps or other speed limit measures “could make the difference between life and death.”

“This small change to the road can potentially save lives.”

East Sussex County Council said it would review the application once it was formally submitted.

The company added that it always encourages drivers to drive safely and be aware of road conditions, but that it needs to use its resources “in a targeted manner” due to “limited funds and the significant costs involved”.

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