£58 million bid to improve county's roads and transport

Wide-ranging projects to improve road and bus services have been announced by West Sussex County Council, as part of the Local Transport Plan.

The plan can now be viewed at libraries and council offices throughout West Sussex and has been submitted to the Government in a bid for around £58 million.

The plan was drawn up after the council asked thousands of residents what transport issues were most important to them.

Nearly 90 per cent of those asked demanded more choice of transport.

They wanted better alternative transport to cars and better maintained roads but did not want to see charges introduced for road use.

Poor quality bus services and rush-hour traffic congestion were the main complaints.

The council has included in its plan initiatives to improve the standard of road maintenance, raise the quality of rail and bus services, make travelling easier for people with disabilities, improve road safety and provide more safe paths and crossing facilities for pedestrians.

Harold Hall, cabinet member for strategic environmental services, said, 'The plan aims to give people more choices, improve safety, protect the environment and help the West Sussex economy to thrive.'

The county council is due to find out in December whether its bid has been successful.