Salt bins reminder

You can now submit your salt bin refill requests in readiness for the 2026/27 winter season.  If you need any help setting up or using your single sign on, please contact the parish council email address for support - parish-town.enquiries@westsussex.gov.uk

Salt bins are refilled ahead of the winter season to support local resilience, and all community requests will be reviewed once the window closes on 15 July 2026.

***Please note we cannot accept requests after this date ***

Community highway schemes – how to apply

Have an idea to improve a road, crossing, or local area? You can apply for a community highway scheme (CHS) through West Sussex County Council.

These schemes allow communities to put forward small-scale highway improvements such as traffic calming, speed limit changes, crossings, and accessibility upgrades to make areas safer and easier to use.

Important deadline

To be considered for the 2027–2028 programme, you must apply by: 31 July 2026 Applications received after this date will be considered in the following year’s programme.

Key things to know:

• Applications can be submitted at any time, but are only assessed once a year,following the application cut-off date
• You’ll need to obtain the support of your local county councillor before submitting
• Schemes are assessed against set criteria, including safety, deliverability, and community support
• Only a limited number of schemes are taken forward each year, so early preparation is important

Apply and find out more

HVO fuel - A low-carbon commitment

VolkerHighways and West Sussex Highways Team operates a fully sustainable fleet as part of its commitment to reducing its environmental impact and supporting the transition to a low-carbon future. The contract’s fleet primarily runs on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel, alongside an increasing number of fully electric vehicles to significantly cut emissions across our operations.

HVO plays a key role in the council’s and VolkerHighways’ carbon reduction strategies, offering up to a 90% reduction in fuel-related greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional diesel. By adopting this alternative fuel, operational performance is maintained while making meaningful progress towards net zero targets. 

All vehicles operating from West Sussex highways depots are compatible with HVO, allowing for a seamless switch without compromising reliability or efficiency. This includes its full fleet of 19 winter service vehicles, ensuring that even critical operations such as gritting and snow clearance are delivered sustainably.

Making the switch to LED

Streetlights are the third biggest contributor to the county council’s energy use and carbon emissions. That’s why, over the next four years, we’re replacing all 65,249 of West Sussex County Council (WSCC) owned streetlights that are not already LED. This will significantly reduce their energy consumption and lengthen their lifespan, saving both money and carbon.

We’ve replaced over 2,200 lanterns, mostly in the South Downs National Park, to target light more effectively where it’s needed and reduce light pollution to help deliver the Dark Sky Policy Plan.

In March 2026 the project to cover the rest of the county began. We have now installed a total of 4,925 replacements, 6.43% of the overall project. A central management system (CMS) will also be installed to control the lanterns remotely, reducing maintenance time and costs.

Major path improvements open up West Sussex’s great outdoors

Residents across West Sussex are enjoying the county’s coast and countryside like never before, thanks to major upgrades to public paths that are making them safer, more accessible and more enjoyable to explore. 

The improvements, delivered over the last financial year, covered more than 4,000km of footpaths, bridleways, boardwalks and byways and include: 

• More than 1,200 new or upgraded signs to help people explore with confidence 

• 230km of paths cleared to keep routes open and accessible 

• 20 tonnes of new surfacing laid to improve path quality 

• 100 metres of boardwalk installed in wetter areas 

• Around 200 bridges repaired or replaced 

Read more

Ash dieback survey notification

Ash dieback is a serious disease affecting ash trees across the UK, which can cause structural weakness and increase the risk of falling branches or tree failure. 

Learn more about Ash dieback on our website

Summer surveys are now underway on remaining A and B roads to identify affected trees, assess risks to public safety, and plan future maintenance. WSCC is raising works for trees we are responsible for, while private landowners are notified if their trees pose a risk to the highway.

All landowners in West Sussex should check their boundaries for ash trees with reduced canopy cover and arrange an inspection by a qualified professional over the next 2–3 months while leaves are present

Find an approved contractor

Any recommended works should be carried out in winter unless advised otherwise. Check for tree preservation orders, conservation areas, or felling licence requirements.

Other useful links:

Guidance for homeowners and those with ash trees on their land -https://treecouncil.org.uk/science-and-research/ash-dieback/public-guidance/

Tree Health Pilot Scheme - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tree-health-pilot-scheme-2024/grants-for-ash-with-ash-dieback

Remember

If you are a landowner, check your boundaries and check your trees. You are responsible for trees on your land, ensuring they do not pose a danger to the public. If in doubt, seek the advice of a qualified professional.

Zebra crossing installed as countywide improvements progress

A new zebra crossing was recently installed outside Worthing High School on St Lawrence Avenue, Worthing. The new crossing forms part of a programme of countywide improvements funded by Active Travel England.

The scheme provides a significant upgrade to pedestrian safety, creating a safer and more welcoming route for pupils, families, and the wider community. 

You can give us your views on the new zebra crossing by completing our short feedback survey.

You can find out more about our active travel projects on our website

Reported Killed and Seriously Injured (KSI) casualty data

Following the Department for Transport’s publication of provisional STATS 19 injury collision data for 2025, road safety company Agilysis has produced a map illustrating how the latest Killed and Seriously Injured (KSI) casualty figures compare with each 2022–2024 Local Highway Authority average.

Whilst KSIs nationally rose by 4%, West Sussex bucked this trend with a 9% reduction in 2025, placing us in the top 25% of local authorities for KSI reduction in the UK.

STATS 19 refers to injury collisions reported to the police within 30 days, occurring on the adopted highway and involving one or more vehicles.

How to report abandoned vehicles and parking issues

District and borough councils are responsible for dealing with abandoned vehicles and parking enforcement (where civil parking enforcement is in place).

This means they handle:

• Investigations into abandoned vehicles
• Removal and disposal of vehicles where appropriate
• Parking enforcement, including issuing Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs)

How to Report an Abandoned Vehicle

You should report abandoned vehicles directly to your local district or borough council.

When reporting, please include:

• Vehicle make, model, colour and registration (if known)
• Exact location
• How long it has been there
• Photos (if safe to take them)

This helps officers assess and act as quickly as possible.

How to Report Parking Issues

Parking concerns should also be reported to your district or borough council, usually via their website or contact centre.

If a vehicle is causing an immediate danger or obstruction, it should be reported to the police.

Highway improvement works

Carriageway and footway works

We are undertaking surface treatments across the county, with the projects below representing some of the key works scheduled for the coming weeks.

ou can read more about what happens during each of the road and footway surface treatments here - Maintaining roads, verges and pavements - West Sussex County Council

Further information on each of the works can also be found via one.network

 

Pedestrian crossing refurbishments

Worthing Road, Horsham - May 2026

We have upgraded the pedestrian crossing on Worthing Road in Horsham to make it safer and easier to use.

The new crossing includes modern sensors that help the lights change at the right time. Tactile cones and audible beepers have also been added to support people who are visually impaired.

New LED lights are being installed too. These are brighter for drivers, use less energy and last longer, helping the Council reduce carbon emissions.

The footpath around the crossing has also been resurfaced, creating a smoother and safer area for everyone.

These improvements mean a safer, more reliable and more environmentally friendly crossing for the whole community.

Grinstead Lane – 22 June to 17 July

As part of our continuing efforts to improve the highway, works are also being undertaken to fully refurbish the existing puffin crossing at Grinstead Lane, Lancing. As part of these works, the site will be brought up to the latest standards.

The scheme started on 22 June and will run through till 17 July. There is a temporary crossing in place during the works, and appropriate traffic management will remain in place until the works are complete. Multi way traffic lights will be in place as needed for some of the duration;  traffic management will be reduced as the works progress and if conditions allow.

You can view further details at: https://one.network/?GB148388802

Utility projects update

This section provides updates on projects being carried out by utility companies across the West Sussex Highways Network.

Gas works

Chichester Road, Bersted, Bognor Regis

The existing gas pipes in this area were originally installed in the 1940s and are now deteriorating rapidly. These essential upgrades are being carried out to ensure long-term safety, maintain a reliable gas supply to the community, and prevent further leaks.

Phase three: from 24 August to 25 September 2026  Road closure on Chichester Road from the junction of Fairlands to North Bersted Street. Businesses will be open as usual and pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

Market Avenue and Basin Road, Chichester

Following several gas leaks linked to the condition of the ageing gas main on Market Avenue and Basin Road, SGN undertook trial holes in late April to assess the requirements for a full mains replacement. This work is urgently required to ensure a safe and reliable gas supply to the community and to prevent further leaks.

WS Highways arranged for SGN works to be undertaken early to avoid delaying road resurfacing and to prevent the new road from being dug up again. At the same time, Southern Water will carry out sewer lining works on Canal Wharf during the road closure. Please see the work programme below:

These works will have impact on bus timetables. Please check your local bus service provider for routes and timetable.

If you need further information about these works, you can contact SGN Customer Service Team by email Customer@sgn.co.uk or alternatively you can call them on 0800 912 1700. For travel and route diversion, please follow Causeway one.network.

Electrical upgrades

Manor Royal, Crawley

UKPN will be installing a new underground cable within the public highway at Manor Royal, Crawley. Please see the work programme below:

• 11 to 22 May, Manor Royal (completed)
• 1 June to 17 June, London Road/Junction of Martyrs Avenue (completed)
• 10 August to 3 September, Martyrs Avenue, Junction with Garage Access Road: A full Road closure on Martyrs Avenue will be required from 10 to 20 August.

If you have any questions, please contact UKPN customer care team on 0800 028 4587 Monday to Friday 8:30am – 5pm, care@ukpowernetworks.co.uk and reference 260010910.

Water infrastructure upgrades

Bull Hill, Rake

Due to several leaks and bursts in and around Rake area, South East Water with their contractors, Clancy, will be working to replace around 1.15 kilometres of water pipes from Monday, 27 July 2026, for approximately 6 months. The work will take place on London Road, Bull Hill and Canhouse Lane. A road closure will be in phases on Bull Hill, heading down towards Canhouse Lane, where the works will continue.

Find out more and sign up at Priority Services | South East Water. If you have any questions or concerns before the work starts, please call our advisors on 0333 000 0018 (Monday to Friday 8:00am to 5:30pm) or via email @ Wholesale Contact Us | South East Water .

Beyond compliance: a community and wildlife success story

The role of a Network Compliance Officer is already diverse, but every so often it presents truly unexpected scenarios.

While returning from a defect inspection in South Stoke near Arundel Castle, one of our newest Network Compliance Officer noticed some unusual footway barriers blocking pedestrian access. This wasn’t something he was aware of in the area, so he stopped to investigate further.

To his surprise, he discovered a local resident sitting nearby, carefully monitoring the situation. She explained that a pair of swans affectionately named William and Catherine had made a nest on the verge right beside the footway. Wanting to protect them during this sensitive incubation period, she had taken it upon herself to watch over them and document their progress.

To prevent disturbance from passing pedestrians and dogs, someone had installed barriers and cordoned off the area with red-and-white tape. After speaking with the resident, the Compliance Officer recognised the need for additional support.

He contacted the Arun District Council parking team to request a temporary parking suspension in the area which was approved.

On the evening of 26 May 2026 at 9pm, the first egg hatched. By the early hours of 27 May, there were five beautiful cygnets.

Now that Compliance Officers oversee their own designated areas, it has become easier to build meaningful connections within local communities. This experience highlights the importance of those relationships, not only with residents but also with local councils.

Keep up to date 📱💻

Facebook, X, Bluesky & WhatsApp

Updates on emergency reports are posted every day and project updates are posted frequently on the West Sussex Highways Facebook @West Sussex Highways, X @WSHighways, and Bluesky @wshighways.bsky.social accounts.

Did you know you can get gritter alerts, grass-cutting updates and up-to-date information on road issues on WhatsApp? You can follow silently or opt for alerts to notify you when we share an update. To find us open WhatsApp and select "Updates" from the bottom menu, then simply search for WSHighways or click the link -WSHighways.

Produced by the Customer Communications Officer, Highways Transport and Planning. Please contact active.communities@westsussex.gov.uk with any comments or suggestions for future articles.