Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the scheme required?
We are working to improve walking, cycling and public transport networks across West Sussex. By encouraging more walking and cycling, particularly for shorter journeys, and improving public transport journeys, we can help to create safer, more pleasant places in which to live, work and do business.
Underpinning our approach to improving the transport network within the county is the West Sussex Transport Plan 2022-2036 (opens in new window)(External link). It sets out how the County Council is intending to address a number of challenges, including climate change, congestion, public health and road safety.
The schemes will help achieve national targets for cycling and walking to be the natural first choice for many journeys with half of all journeys in towns and cities being cycled or walked by 2030.
How much will the scheme cost and how is it being funded?
At this early stage of design, a detailed costing exercise has not yet been undertaken, however we expect the scheme costs to be in line with similar cycle schemes being delivered around the country. To be successful, the schemes would need to demonstrate good value for money and are subject to the development of business cases.
An external funding stream would be used to deliver the proposals. This includes developer contributions and central Government grants that are intended for active travel schemes.
Congestion is more of an issue in the area, why are you not improving this first?
The West Sussex Transport Plan 2022-2036 (opens in new window) identified the need for improvements to highways, public transport and active travel facilities to tackle congestion. The County Council and organisations such as National Highways are developing a range of improvements so that they can be delivered as funding opportunities arise.
By providing a safe space for cycling that is off the carriageway, we aim to encourage more people to cycle within Chichester, particularly those people that are less confident cyclists. The routes would provide connections towards a number of key destinations within Chichester and beyond (such as Tangmere), including schools, employment, retail and leisure destinations such as Portfield Retail Park and the Shopwyke Lake development. The scheme would therefore make it easier for people to walk or cycle to these destinations, and more widely across Chichester, rather than using their vehicles. The A285 scheme would also have the potential to improve public transport by providing bus priority traffiic signal technology.
Have you taken on board the concerns raised by residents about the temporary cycle lane installed along the A286 Oaklands Way during COVID?
In response to COVID-19 restrictions in 2020, the County Council introduced a temporary ‘pop-up’ cycle lane along the A286 between Northgate Gyratory and New Park Road roundabout. We have listened to the feedback received about that scheme and intend to develop solutions that respond to the concerns raised at that time.
Could on-street parking be affected by the proposals?
In order to accommodate the cycling and walking facilities of the A285 Westhampnett Road corridor, it may be necessary to restrict some on-road parking in some areas. If this is necessary, the impacts on parking will be assessed as the scheme is developed. The A286 Oaklands Way scheme would not affect any existing allocated parking.
Will the proposals be designed in accordance with LTN 1/20?
The detailed designs that we will develop later this year will be designed in accordance with LTN 1/20 (link opens in new window) (Department for Transport Cycle Infrastructure Design Guidance).
Will the proposals link up to existing walking/cycling infrastructure?
Both corridors in Chichester have the potential to connect to other walking and cycling routes in the area, such as the Salterns Way cycle route/ Chichester Harbour Circular/ Chichester Harbour Northern Cycle route/ Centurion Way Cycle Path and proposed LCWIP routes.
The A285 Chichester to Tangmere Sustainable Transport Corridor proposes to connect to the Tangmere Strategic Development location and Portfield Roundabout and would travel over the A27 by a new pedestrian/cycle over-bridge that has been proposed by Shopwyke Lakes Development.
What are the next steps?
At the end of the early engagement period the feedback will be carefully analysed and we will share a summary engagement report on the scheme webpages. The report will contain the analysis of the types of responses received and will help us in our decision making about the designs.
If we decide to progress the schemes, the feedback used will help to develop more detailed designs. These designs would then be presented as part of a further consultation period, which we would expect to take place later this year.
The further consultation would provide the opportunity for people to view and comment on more detailed designs of the proposals.
When would you expect the schemes to be built?
Future progression of the schemes will be informed by the outcomes of this engagement period. Subject to the feedback we receive, we hope to carry out further consultation on the designs later this year.
Construction would be subject to a business case, all relevant statutory processes (e.g. planning) and securing central Government funding for scheme delivery. It is therefore not possible to confirm a delivery timescale at this stage.
I want to speak to a member of the project team, what should I do?
You can either email any comments or questions to the team at at LTP@westsussex.gov.uk or by telephone on 01243 642105. If you are deaf and have the NGT app installed on your PC, laptop, or mobile phone, you can contact us on 18001 01243 642105.