Carmaggedon protest chaos

The motorists formed their convoy to highlight the impact of thousands of extra cars joining the main road if a new housing development is approved.

The line of drivers travelled at 30mph from North Bersted to the Drayton roundabout just south of Chichester.

The impact of their action on Sunday (March 29) afternoon was aimed at providing a taste of things to come. One of the organisers, Ann Smee, said: "The flow of traffic slowed down dramatically.

"When the first cars in the convoy drove back into Bersted, tailbacks were already two miles long with gridlock at the Royal Oak mini-roundabout resulting in long queues turning right into Chalcraft Lane.

"This relatively small demonstration on a quiet Sunday afternoon had a moderately disruptive impact on other road users.

"But factor in a minimum of 2,500 more cars '“ maximum 5,000 '“ and the impact would be significant gridlock.

"During the morning peak times, commuting could take hours for a short journey to Chichester."

The protest was arranged by Aldwick and Bersted parish councils as part of the No Chalcraft Lane Urban Extension campaign.

This was formed by residents and councillors in response to the prospect of 2,500 homes being built on farmland north of Chalcraft Lane. The 'carmaggedon' idea arose from a recent campaign meeting.

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