Safety is the priority in special travel arrangements for Lewes Bonfire

A multi-agency group made of emergency services, local authorities and transport operators, including Southern, has issued this travel advice press release which is copied below:

The public is being reminded of the special travel arrangements which are being put in place for Lewes Bonfire.

The restrictions were announced on 4 July 2018 following a decision by a multi-agency group made of emergency services, local authorities and transport operators, whose priority is to keep the public safe and feeling safe.

Following feedback from last year, announcements are being made well ahead of the event on 5 November 2018 in order to allow people more time to plan. People are also being encouraged to attend fireworks events closer to home.

Lewes has narrow streets which cannot safely cope with a huge influx of people during the busy bonfire celebrations. These restrictions will help better manage the safety of tens of thousands of people expected to attend the event and reduce the risks of a serious incident.

It should also be noted that it is not just about numbers of people, but where they are in the town and whether certain areas become dangerously overcrowded.

Road closures from 16.45pm on 5 November 2018
• A27 junction with A277 Brighton Road (Ashcombe Roundabout)
• A27 junction with A26 (Southerham Roundabout)
• A26 junction with B2192 Ringmer Road (Earwig Corner)
• C7 Kingston Road junction with C324 Wellgreen Lane
• A275 Offham Rd junction with B2116 Plumpton Road
• A27 junction with Southerham Lane (Cliffe Industrial Estate)
Parking restrictions will begin to be imposed from noon. More information will follow closer to the event.

Rail travel
• No trains will call at Lewes, Falmer, Glynde or Southease from 17.00 on 5 November 2018 until the first timetabled trains on the morning of 6 November 2018. Online journey planners such as National Rail Enquiries will be updated closer to the time.
• The last train of the day to stop at Cooksbridge will be the 16:16 departure from London Victoria, which arrives at 17:20, before continuing to its next stop, which will be Polegate. Cooksbridge station will then be closed until the first timetabled trains on the morning of 6 November 2018.

We recognise that there will be an impact on train passengers and road users who are not planning to attend the event. The decision to bring in travel restrictions has been made in the best interests of safety. We hope that those who are inconvenienced will understand that and have time to make alternative arrangements where possible.