MPs have been warned that poor transport links are holding back the West Sussex economy, with concerns raised over unreliable rail services and chronic congestion on the A27.
The issue was highlighted in Westminster by Chichester’s Liberal Democrat MP, Jess Brown Fuller, who secured a debate to outline what she described as the growing pressures facing residents and businesses across the county. She told MPs that slow and costly rail connections to London, combined with rising bus fares, are making it increasingly difficult for people to live, work and commute in the area. Congestion on the A27, one of the main east–west routes along the south coast, was also singled out as a major barrier to economic growth.
The government says it recognises the concerns and has promised an update on plans for the A27 next month, though no further details have yet been confirmed.
The debate comes amid fresh disruption on the rail network. This morning, the UK’s largest rail franchise, Govia Thameslink Railway, issued a “do not travel” alert to passengers, citing what it described as multiple incidents across the network. The warning has affected services run by Southern Rail, Thameslink and Gatwick Express, causing widespread delays and cancellations.
The latest disruption has added weight to concerns raised in Parliament, with commuters once again facing uncertainty and disruption at the start of the day.
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