Chichester & Arun Green Party has responded to Southern’s West Coastway consultation to express disappointment that the proposed changes are a further erosion of local rail services and direct train travel through West Sussex. [1] Equally disappointing is that once again, despite overwhelming public and political support, the provision of a 500-metre ‘Arundel Chord’ addition (which would provide direct services to Brighton without having to change trains at Barnham) has not been considered.
Local Greens say simplifying the journey between Arundel, Worthing and Brighton stations, thereby negating the need to ‘change trains and double-back’ at Barnham or Littlehampton, would encourage greater local rail use. This provision of a viable alternative to car travel, especially for daily commutes, along the West Coast corridor would facilitate a reduction in local road traffic and air pollution and is far preferable to an expansion of the local road network. An Arundel Chord may also prove a boost to the local economy by providing direct rail connectivity between the two major tourist destinations of Arundel and Brighton.
Arun District Councillor Steve McAuliffe (Arundel & Walberton), who submitted the response on behalf of Chichester & Arun Green Party says: “Changing trains mid-journey reduces train travel desirability and increases car travel preference. This is especially the case in winter months when ‘platform time’ is particularly unwelcome. While we welcome service improvements and enhancements, transformational change like the addition of a chord – as well as improvements to timetables and service frequency – is required to promote practical alternatives to car use.”
Fewer car journeys through the Arundel area would alleviate local congestion and trunk road pinch-points. Road traffic impacts within Arundel, Crossbush, Lyminster and the surrounding villages would be lessened whilst the current A27 impasse is resolved. During academic terms, when car use increases for student ‘drop off’ and ‘pick up’, a move to efficient rail travel between Arundel and the campuses at Worthing, Brighton and Chichester would be improved. Ford Road, currently used by school and college students, would see fewer car journeys, thereby reducing road hazards and student risk whilst concurrently improving the traffic situation for local residents.
Cllr McAuliffe continues: “Healthier local air and improved river water quality would result as vehicle pollution levels drop. Active travel enhancements are considered likely to follow via an expansion of inter-connected rail, cycle, mobility and walking routes. Public wellbeing, environmental improvements, student safety and rail network resilience are all foreseeable positive consequences of an Arundel Chord addition.”
[1] Direct services between Bognor and Littlehampton, Bognor to London Bridge and Brighton to Portsmouth are subject to further cuts and deterioration.