§ Mr. LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement regarding the prospects for a Worthing bypass; and what new studies have been carried out by his Department on the A27 between Worthing and Lancing. [77911]
§ Ms Glenda Jackson[holding answer 22 March 1999]: Following the Roads Review we announced our proposal, subject to consultation with the regional planning conference, to carry out a study to consider the problems of congestion on the A27 between Worthing and Lancing.
The South East Regional Planning Conference (SERPLAN) has agreed with the Government Office for the South East (GO-SE) proposal that the A27 Worthing to Lancing study should build on existing work to produce recommendations in advance of the completion of the Southampton to Folkestone study. GO-SE will now be undertaking further discussions with SERPLAN and with the most directly affected local authorities, with a view to drawing up terms of reference and a plan for further work. The study will adopt a multi-modal approach and will consider all options for addressing the identified transport problems in the context of the whole corridor.
The Highways Agency has already undertaken a study into options for improving pedestrian facilities on the A27 through Worthing and Lancing. The study identified eight locations where work on refuges could be carried out to benefit pedestrians, and this work has already started.
In addition, the Highways Agency intends to install at least one signal-controlled crossing at one of these locations, following Worthing Borough Council's investigations into possible cycle routes in the area; and in early April work will take place to upgrade the existing crossing at Boundstone College in Lancing, where new guard rails will be provided to give improved visibility for drivers.