Slow down in Ashdown forest

1 June 2006

A campaign to tackle speeding across Ashdown Forest, in East Sussex has been launched.

During 2005, speeding and following too closely contributed to 478 crashes and collisions in Ashdown Forest. This led to one fatality and 57 casualties, as well as 215 deer being killed. 

The ‘Slow Down - Give Space’ campaign aims to raise drivers’ awareness of the dangers of speeding and  encourage them to keep within the 40mph speed limit across the Forest and to give space to cyclists, horse riders, walkers, sheep, cattle and deer.

As part of the campaign, local volunteers will be using Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs) in key locations to warn drivers to slow down. Sussex Police are supporting the volunteers’ work and will be carrying out speed checks in the Forest.

The campaign is a result of East Sussex County Council, six parish councils (Buxted, Danehill, Forest Row, Hartfield, Maresfield and Withyham), Sussex Police, the Conservators of Ashdown Forest and East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service joining together to tackle speed in the Forest and the surrounding villages.  This group makes up the Ashdown Forest Villages Road Safety Partnership.

For further information about the campaign contact Keith Sinden MAIRSO, Principal Road Safety Officer – East Sussex County Council. 01273 482303