Dr Kieran Mullan, MP for Bexhill and Battle, has called for an urgent meeting with National Highways to request a review of the siting of new traffic lights in Hurst Green, after residents raised fears they could pose safety risks for pedestrians.
Dr Mullan first raised concerns about the traffic lights scheme in January 2026, after final designs and construction plans were shared with the parish council. Neither the MP nor the parish council had previously been given sight of the detailed proposals for installing traffic lights at the A265 junction, which form part of wider safety and traffic flow improvements on the A21. By this stage, the designs had already been finalised and a contractor appointed, leaving little meaningful opportunity for residents to contribute local knowledge or raise concerns.
Although National Highways later attended a village meeting convened by Dr Mullan to explain the proposals, no significant changes have been made to address residents’ concerns or reflect the lived experience of those affected.
Construction began in February, with four-way temporary traffic lights installed during the works. Parish councillors raised concerns about the design, including the siting of poles and new lighting columns, which they say undermine efforts to enhance the village’s historic character. More recently, it emerged that a traffic light column was due to be installed directly on the pavement outside the Old Courthouse - an historic former courthouse and gaol that has been carefully restored by its owners.
Dr Mullan visited the site last Friday to meet residents, many of whom expressed anger at what they see as a lack of engagement from National Highways, which they say is pressing ahead regardless of local views. The proposed placement of a column on the pavement in front of the Old Courthouse has proved a particular flashpoint, prompting a village protest.
Dr Mullan said:
“This traffic lights scheme represents one of the worst examples of poor community engagement I have encountered as an MP. While improvements to safety on the A21 are welcome, National Highways appears to have overlooked the sensitivities of introducing a major traffic scheme in the heart of Hurst Green village.
“Many of the concerns now being raised could have been avoided through proper engagement before the design work began. Basic issues - such as access to local lanes - have already led to costly changes both within the village and further along the road near Hurst Green garages, where traffic islands have prevented agricultural vehicles from accessing fields.
“I am deeply concerned not only about the visual impact of installing unattractive columns in front of a historic building, but also about the decision to place them part way into the pavement. Residents rightly worry this will push them closer to the road and make it more difficult for those with wheelchairs and buggies. This is why I am asking for an urgent meeting and revised designs.”
