I know congestion and parking is increasingly a problem in our area, parking can easily reduce a road to one lane, causing problems (although some people see a potential positive when not unduly obstructive as it slows traffic down). Fast roads such as Rocky Lane can be particularly dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians, and this has been highlighted as an issue which the District Council needs to address as it is currently considering safe cycling and walking routes between Burgess Hill and Haywards Heath.
There is no easy answer to these problems, however it is important that people using the road act considerately whether they are parking or transiting the road. We can all help by reporting issues that we come across as immediate reporting makes more explicit action more likely, and the number of reports will be monitored, and may highlight the need for a more calculated response. At the same time new building activity increases pressure on local roads, particularly on the eastern side of Burgess Hill and the Town Council is particularly concerned about the cumulative impact of new development on local roads and makes this point when new planning applications are considered.
Vehicles parking in contravention of existing waiting restrictions (yellow lines) should be reported to the District Council Parking Service who can take action. If a Civil Enforcement Officer is nearby, they will visit the location and assess the situation to see if a Penalty Charge Notice can be issued. You can report such illegal parking via parkinginfo@midsussex.gov.uk.
You can also report vehicles parking in a hazardous position on an unrestricted section of highway to the County Council via https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/make-an-enquiry-or-report-a-problem-with-a-road-or-pavement/parking/ or download the “Love West Sussex” app for your smart phone to make reports whilst you are out. However, the Council is not be able to intervene in cases of dangerous or obstructive parking which is a police matter. If vehicles are causing a dangerous obstruction, preventing access for emergency vehicles, parking on the pavement or blocking driveways, report it to Sussex Police – see https://www.sussex.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/. Please use the non-emergency number 101 or email at 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk . But they can only issue a fixed penalty or take other action in certain circumstances, for example when an obstruction is likely to endanger life.
Report to the County Council specific incidents to highlight there is an issue with parking in the area that requires a more coherent response or if there is a specific traffic accident, these reports are monitored and can influence policy making. Requests for new road markings such as yellow lines require a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO). These are prioritised based on a number of criteria, including safety, pollution and congestion, and would require a sustained campaign to reach the necessary criteria including contacting our local County Councillor to get their backing – see https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/traffic-regulation-orders/about-tros/apply-for-a-tro/.