Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ
The Project
What is the Denton Corner BSIP scheme?
The scheme is part of East Sussex's Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) and aims to improve bus reliability, safety and accessibility at Denton Corner, Newhaven.
Why is the scheme being delivered?
- The scheme is intended to help make bus journeys through Newhaven more reliable by reducing delays at key points on the network.
- Improvements are designed to support safer and easier journeys for bus users, pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.
- Better access and upgraded facilities are intended to help people travel more easily to jobs, education, healthcare and local services.
- By encouraging public transport and active travel, the scheme supports wider goals to reduce congestion, improve air quality and lower carbon emissions.
- The works are part of the wider Bus Service Improvement Plan programme, which aims to make bus travel a more practical and attractive choice for local journeys.
Who is delivering the scheme?
The scheme is being delivered by East Sussex Highways (ESH), a partnership between Balfour Beatty Living Places and East Sussex County Council (ESCC).
Who is funding the scheme?
The scheme is being funded through East Sussex County Council's Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) funding allocation, which was awarded by the Department for Transport (DfT) to support improvements to bus services and infrastructure across East Sussex. The funding is specifically allocated for bus improvement measures and cannot be used for other purposes such as general highway maintenance or unrelated transport projects.
How have these proposals been developed?
These proposals are based on traffic surveys, technical assessments, transport modelling and independent Road Safety Audits. They aim to strike a fair balance between the needs of all road users, including businesses, residents and public transport users, while supporting the objectives of the East Sussex Bus Service Improvement Plan and Local Transport Plan 4 (LTP4).
East Sussex County Council are committed to working closely with the local community and businesses to ensure the scheme delivers benefits for everyone, and that any concerns are considered as the project progresses.
Has there been a consultation on the scheme?
Yes. Public consultation and stakeholder engagement have been undertaken as part of the development of the scheme. Feedback from residents, businesses and other interested parties has been considered alongside technical assessments, road safety audits and transport modelling in the development of the proposals.
How will bus users benefit from the scheme?
The scheme introduces bus priority measures designed to reduce delays and improve the reliability of bus services. By providing more consistent journey times, particularly during peak periods, the scheme aims to make bus travel a more attractive and dependable option.
The new Denton Corner interchange has been designed to support a wider range of services to stop in the area, including routes that do not currently serve the existing Denton Corner stop. The revised layout is also intended to provide a more direct route for buses, helping to improve journey times and reliability for passengers.
How will the scheme affect road users in the area?
The scheme includes changes to the highway layout at Denton Corner, including a new bus interchange, new bus lanes, parking restrictions and revised traffic arrangements. Some drivers may need to adjust to changes in lane use and vehicle movements through the area.
The proposals have been developed to improve bus reliability and accessibility while maintaining access for residents, businesses and other road users.
What impact will the proposed BSIP scheme have on congestion in the area?
Traffic surveys were undertaken in June 2024 and Sept 2024 across the scheme area and were used to develop a microsimulation model of traffic conditions. This modelling helped assess how the proposed changes are expected to affect key routes and junctions.
The results indicated that the network can continue to operate effectively while delivering improvements to bus journey times and reliability. The scheme has been designed to provide bus priority benefits while minimising impacts on general traffic.
What changes are being made at Denton Corner?
The scheme includes a new bus interchange between Denton Roundabout and Mount Road Service Road, together with new bus stops, bus lanes and associated pedestrian and cycle facilities.
The new arrangement will improve access to bus services in the area and support more reliable bus journeys through Denton Corner.
Why are parking restrictions being introduced on Mount Road and Station Road?
The proposed "No Waiting at Any Time" restrictions are intended to ensure that buses and other larger vehicles can travel safely through sections of road where parking can reduce visibility or restrict available carriageway width.
The restrictions will help reduce conflicts between parked vehicles and moving traffic while supporting the safe and reliable operation of bus services.
How will pedestrians benefit?
The improvements are intended to help create a safer and more accessible environment through upgrades to crossings, footways and public spaces.
How have safety and accessibility been considered?
The scheme has been developed using technical assessments and independent Road Safety Audits to help ensure it operates safely for all road users.
Accessibility has also been considered throughout the design process. The layout includes pedestrian routes and crossing facilities through the Denton Corner interchange, while taking account of local pedestrian movements and the needs of different users.
How will cyclists benefit from the scheme?
Cyclists will be permitted to use the bus lanes, allowing them to travel separately from general traffic for sections of their journey. This can help improve comfort and safety when travelling through the area.
The scheme also includes shared pedestrian and cycle routes through the Denton Corner interchange, with crossing facilities provided to maintain connectivity through the area. Cycling has been considered as part of the overall design to help balance the needs of all road users.
Will taxis and private hire vehicles be permitted to drive in the bus lane?
Licensed hackney carriage taxis will be permitted to use the bus lanes alongside buses and cyclists. Private hire vehicles will not be permitted to use the bus lanes.
Restricting access to authorised vehicles helps ensure the bus lanes operate effectively, supporting reliable bus journey times and reducing delays.
How will bus lanes be enforced?
Bus lane restrictions will be enforced in accordance with the Traffic Management Act 2004. Where CCTV enforcement is used, recorded images are reviewed before any Penalty Charge Notice is issued. For more information about bus lane enforcement in East Sussex, please visit the ESCC Bus lane Enforcement web page.
Will emergency vehicles be permitted to use the bus lanes?
Yes. Emergency service vehicles will be permitted to use the bus lanes when responding to incidents or emergencies.
How will the scheme support the environment?
By encouraging the use of public transport and active travel, the scheme supports wider objectives around reducing congestion, improving air quality and supporting carbon reduction.
Why are trees being removed as part of the scheme?
To accommodate the new Denton Corner bus interchange, changes to the existing highway layout are required within the vegetated areas around Mount Road. As a result, 14 trees and some vegetation have been identified for removal to provide space for essential bus, pedestrian and cycle infrastructure. To mitigate this loss, the scheme includes the planting of 17 new trees, together with additional landscaping and planting throughout the area.
Throughout the design process, the layout was refined to minimise impacts on existing trees wherever possible.
The trees proposed for removal are predominantly young, low-quality specimens located within dense unmanaged vegetation. No suitable alternative design was identified that would avoid their removal while still delivering the required bus interchange.
How has wildlife been considered?
Ecological assessments have been undertaken as part of the scheme design process to identify any potential impacts on habitats and protected species.
The findings have informed the design and will help ensure that appropriate mitigation measures are implemented where required.
What impact will the scheme have on air quality?
The scheme is not expected to result in traffic impacts significant enough to require a separate air quality assessment under current national guidance.
How will local businesses be affected?
East Sussex County Council recognises the importance of maintaining access to local businesses during both construction and operation of the scheme.
The scheme is intended to improve access to public transport and connectivity within the area, while access for customers, deliveries and servicing activities will be maintained. Construction activities will be carefully planned to minimise disruption wherever possible.
Construction
Where are the improvements taking place?
The Newhaven BSIP programme includes improvements in key locations, including:
- The Drove
- Avis Road
- Mount Road
- Station Road
What improvements are being made?
Depending on the location, works may include:
- New or improved bus lanes
- Road and junction improvements
- Traffic signal upgrades
- Road resurfacing
- Improved pedestrian crossing facilities
- Accessibility enhancements
- Improvements to cycling infrastructure
How long will the works take?
We’re currently planning on undertaking these improvements between Autumn 2026 and Winter 2026.
Construction programmes will vary depending on the location and phase of works. Information on timings and delivery phases will be shared with residents, businesses and other stakeholders ahead of construction. Information will also be available on the project webpages.
View the latest updates on the Denton Corner Avenue Bus Priority Scheme in Newhaven on the East Sussex County Council website.
View the latest updates on the Bus Service Improvement Plan schemes in Newhaven on the East Sussex Highways website.
What will the working hours be?
Working hours will vary depending on location and phase of works, using both daytime and nighttime working. For the majority of the work, roads will remain open with temporary traffic lights in place as the team will be working on the verges, however there will be times where a lane closure will be in place.
More information will be shared with affected properties and businesses once dates and times are confirmed.
View the latest updates on the Denton Corner Avenue Bus Priority Scheme in Newhaven on the East Sussex County Council website.
View the latest updates on the Bus Service Improvement Plan schemes in Newhaven on the East Sussex Highways website.
Will there be much noise?
Properties and businesses close to the carriageway may experience a temporary disturbance as work of this nature can be a noisy process and the affected parties may experience flashing lights and reversing sirens.
Wherever possible, we aim to keep noise to a minimum. During overnight works, noisier activities are completed before 11pm to keep disruption to a minimum. Site associated noise will still be present after this time.
Road closures and traffic management
Will there be disruption?
Some temporary disruption is unavoidable while the works are carried out. Traffic management measures may include temporary traffic signals, lane closures or changes to traffic movements. We aim to minimise disruption wherever possible.
View the latest updates on the Denton Corner Avenue Bus Priority Scheme in Newhaven on the East Sussex County Council website.
View the latest updates on the Bus Service Improvement Plan schemes in Newhaven on the East Sussex Highways website.
Will I still be able to access my property during construction?
Yes. Access to homes and businesses will be maintained wherever possible. If temporary restrictions are required for safety reasons, advance notice will be provided.
Will local businesses remain open during construction?
Yes. Businesses will remain open during construction unless otherwise advised. We will work closely with businesses to minimise disruption and maintain access where possible.
Will emergency services have access during construction?
We will liaise with emergency services throughout the works to help ensure access is maintained.
Will bus services continue to operate?
The aim is to keep bus services running throughout the works. If any temporary changes are required, these will be communicated in advance.
Communications and updates
Where can I find more information?
Further information will be published through East Sussex Highways and East Sussex County Council communication channels as the scheme progresses.
I have a question or concern. Who should I contact?
If you have a question about the scheme or would like to join the mailing list for updates, please contact East Sussex Highways at