20mph speed limits in Brighton: Open-minded or over the top

According to community groups like 20s Plenty and residents calling for safer streets, the introduction of a 20mph speed limit to residential areas in Brighton has been a long time coming.

Despite Brighton’s 20s Plenty For Us campaign being active since 2009 and reaching 420 signatures, plans were put on hold in 2010 by the Labour-led city council who feared a full scheme would be too costly.

Having highlighted the issue as the eighth point in their local election manifesto in 2011, Brighton and Hove’s Green-led city council made a key decision on May 4^th to go ahead with the estimated £1.3 million scheme to improve road safety.

The project follows successful citywide 20mph speed limits in Portsmouth, Leicester and Norwich and will be “lines and signs” only at first, with no speed bumps or other traffic calming measures.

Although it is expected to take four years to implement, reducing limits from 30mph to 20mph on residential roads (and 40mph to 30mph on Lewes Road, Brownleaf Road and Old Shoreham Road) has a multitude of benefits according to campaigners.

In Portsmouth, the first city to introduce the scheme in England, a two year report published by Department For Transport showed (even though deaths from serious injuries increased from 19 to 20) casualties fell by 22%.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents stated that a pedestrian struck by a car at 35 mph would have a 50% chance of survival compared to 97% at 20mph.

With Green Party’s aim to cut energy consumption and the fact that, since June 2011, councils no longer need government approval for implementing 20mph limits, they are eager to make the scheme a reality.

Road safety manager for Brighton and Hove city council, Phil Clarke, said: “It makes the city a better place to be. It feels safer and less frantic. That will probably encourage more people to walk or cycle.”

He said if there were collisions, the consequences would be less severe than those at higher speeds.

Councillor Warren Morgan, Deputy Leader of the Labour and Co-Operative Group, who feared a citywide limit might lessen the impact, said: “If 20mph zones were implemented in areas of concern such as around schools or in narrow residential streets, drivers may be more likely to observe the limit.”

He had concerns that £1.3m being spent on lines and signs only would leave little money for other road safety measures residents were calling for and said there would be no enforcement by police.

A Sussex Police spokesperson said they would enforce the limits, as they do with 30mph limits presently. For compliance to be maximised though, he said many agencies would need to take responsibility rather than just the police.

Aside from supporting Brighton neighbourhood groups like Speedwatch, the police have requested traffic calming measures such as speed humps from the council to ensure general cooperation.

Conservative Group Transport Spokesman, Councillor Graham Cox, said: “We are keen to see 20mph speed limits introduced wherever they are supported by a majority of residents. However it needs to be implemented with common sense, and not simply as part of an anti-car agenda.”

Signs for the project have been positive so far. Pilot schemes around Stanford junior school and Portslade Old Village, taking place in January and March this year respectively, were well received by residents.

South Portslade ward Councillor Alan Robins said he had heard nothing but praise for the tests in the area, the only criticism being that some roads near the school remained at 30 mph.

Dan Lamont, a Portslade resident, said: “In theory, it’s safer around schools, but, personally, I’ve seen no change in peoples driving habits.”

Green Party spokesman, Rob Shepherd, who lives near Stanford Junior School, has seen first hand how the new speed limits have helped avoid casualties.

He said: “Two weeks ago, a little boy went into the road and his Mum didn’t catch him in time. The driver really braked hard and missed him by inches. I’m certain that if she’d been going at 30mph, she would have hit that kid.”

He said that while Greens wanted people to use public transport, the 20mph speed limit was not an anti-car movement. He added it was not specifically a Green policy, citing that the Conservative council in Lewes recently enforced a residential 20mph limit.

To gain feedback and tweak the scheme accordingly before putting it into action, a six-week consultation will happen at the end of June. During this process, the council will send questionnaires to 10,000 households, allow residents to comment online and pick up details in public buildings. If all goes well, the limits will be introduced in four phases, starting in Central Brighton and eventually reaching Woodingdean and Rottingdean

There may still be resistance to the project from non-Green supporters in Brighton though. Commenters on The Argus website labelled it “impractical and unenforceable”, a waste of their money and complained that the council has underestimated their responsibility as drivers. Others, however, have pointed out the scheme will pay for itself quickly through the reduction in cost of treating crash victims.

It will also make roads safer for pedestrians. Alan Pride, Secretary for Brighton and Hove Cycling Group, Bricycle, said: “It would be pleasant because you won’t have cars going past you at 50mph. There are complaints about people cycling on the pavement – the reason is that they are scared of cycling on the roads.”

The varying circumstances and political beliefs of Brighton residents have brought out differing opinions on the limits. Though, regardless of discussions about practicality or cost effectiveness, it’s hard to ignore that similar projects have proved successful in reducing accidents and created cleaner, safer cities.

Beyond the high start-up costs, the scheme is likely to save Brighton a lot of money in the long term and most importantly, a large number of casualties.

    Speedy Facts

In a recent RAC Report on Motoring, half of drivers admitted to regularly “driving significantly above ” the current 30 mph limit.

 There were 2504 casualties in reported accidents in Sussex in 2011

The 20sPlenty campaign in neighbouring town Worthing recently hit 1000 supporters.

Mark Restuccia Interview

Internet dating can be a minefield, as prolific dater and stand-up comic Mark Restuccia knows all too well. Although his dark, playful wit has been described by critics as being “like Jimmy Carr when he was fresh”, the 39-year-old from Surrey (now based in London) hasn’t had the same romantic success. His latest show, How to Succeed at Internet Dating, is full of tips on how to beat the online addiction and contains all the clever one liners that have gained him acclaim.

Restuccia wanted to become a comedian because the he liked the idea of getting paid to horse around and tease a bunch of strangers. Since he began gigging in 2007, he has appeared on BBC3 sketch-show, The Wall and ITV 4’s FHM Stand-Up Hero. Having reached the final of last year’s Radio 2 New Comedy Awards, he’s closer than ever to breaking into the comedy mainstream. Now taking his first hour-long show to Edinburgh Festival, he’s hoping to charm audiences with his unconventional quest for the perfect woman.

What motivated you to come up with an internet dating-themed show?

I’d been doing internet dating for ten years and started to develop an addiction to meeting new women (not a sexy sex addiction I may add). I learned a lot about the subject, and gathered a load of amusing stories out of it. I thought it would make a good show for people to learn about what it does to you if you do it too much. It’s not a whole list of dates or any sex stories, it’s more about what Internet dating is like, with a bit of dating advice thrown it, all mixed up with a public information warning of what a massive cookie monster it turns you into. It’s basically a really helpful show.

What has the reception been like for the show so far?

I’ve had some great previews already and it’s all coming together now. I’ve added some interactive bits and bobs to glue it together, so it’s got ‘lecture’ elements. I even learned how to use that Powerpoint thing that grownups use, and I’ve got a red laser pointer and everything which I play with in my spare time to freak my neighbours out.

What are the worst dates you’ve been on?

I’ve been spat at by a white wine witch who ended up screaming at me in the middle of Soho because I wouldn’t go back to hers and sleep with her. I’ve also been woken up in the middle of the night by a girl who thought I was Robbie Williams and blamed me for the Take That split, thus chucking me out of her house in the middle of the night.

The most awkward dating scenario I’ve ever had was when I was waiting for a girl in a country pub and there were a group of pregnant ladies having some sort of baby shower in one corner. A girl walked through the front door, which was near where I was sitting, and started looking around. I looked down and saw what I thought was a pregnancy bump and then said ‘Oh, excuse me. They’re all over there.’ I gestured to the pregnant ladies. She wasn’t pregnant it turned out. She also turned out to be my date.

How are you feeling about doing the Edinburgh Festival this year?

I’m excited, but also it’s a bit scary. It’s my first hour, so it’s a milestone. I’m going up with the attitude of just enjoying it and ignoring the comedy bubble around me. I’ve got a good room, a good time, an excellent Production company and PR, so I just have to get on with it and not booze as much as I usually do in Edinburgh.

You’ve been compared to Jimmy Carr with your one liners. Do you think this is accurate?

I think that’s because I tend to write a lot of one liners, and that’s how I started. My set’s very joke heavy as opposed to story based. It’s only because if I don’t get a laugh every 30 seconds, I panic. It’s like a security blanket. Unfortunately not a blanket that keeps you warm all the time. That’s quite a good analogy, right?

How did it feel to be one of six finalists for the Radio 2 New Comedy Awards?  Has it given you more confidence and recognition as a comedian?

I’m very proud of myself for getting into that final. Whether or not it’s done anything for me, time will tell. I’m pretty rubbish in finals though, so it probably hindered me if anything. But my names on the finalist list forever now, so that’s all very splendid.

Now that stand-up comedy has so much mass appeal (with DVDs, sell-out shows etc.), do you feel pressure to dumb yourself down to appeal to as many people as possible?

Yeah, definitely. I think you’re made aware that if you go all out with filth then there’s only so far you can go these days. There are a few exceptions of course. Anyway, I don’t do anything dark or filthy. My show’s purposely clean and doesn’t contain anything about sex. I’m a good boy like that – ideal for being introduced to parents. Not Dads though, they always hate me for some reason.

What is the one thing you really want to achieve as a comedian?

Obviously I’d love to play one of the big venues and get my little boat race on TV and anyone that does comedy and says they don’t want that is a big fat gypsy liar. Lots of cash would be good as well please.

How to Succeed at Internet Dating is showing at the Edinburgh Fringe 2012 from August 1^st to 27^th at Gilded Balloon At Third Door from 9:30pm-10:30pm. Ticket prices are £5 to £10.50. For more information visit, www.markrestuccia.com or follow him on Twitter at @markrestuccia.

Art review – Worthing Open Houses 2012

Published on Sussex Life’s website on June 25.

Worthing may look like an ordinary, idyllic seaside town. Yet, tucked away inside its Victorian homes, old churches and picturesque gardens is a wealth of dynamic artwork to discover during Worthing Open Houses 2012.

Running since 2004 and showing over three weekends from June 16 to July 1, Worthing’s longest trail yet is a kaleidoscopic journey through 50 exhibitions and almost 300 artists, with the opportunity to view and buy works on sale.

A striking standout amongst the array of local artists’ ceramics, textiles and distorted photographs is Thomas Freer’s “Laser Arch”, showing in the basement of12 Ambrose Place(venue 18). Part sculpture, part innovative musical instrument, its hand carved wooden arc contains 12 touch sensitive lasers and gives the illusion of walking through a choir of angels.

Elsewhere, Nicola Mummery’s (venue 8, 7a York Road) comic book inspired oil paintings on canvas capture the mood of Formula One drivers and musical icons in nostalgic, lifelike fashion. Copied from photographs and filled with vibrant colours, Mummery’s “Freddie Mercury” piece can almost make the viewer feel like they are at a rock concert, rather than an exhibition.

The Worthing Churches Homeless Project’s first exhibition in 6-8 Marine Place (venue 11) also proves an inviting and quirky collection, boasting expressive paintings of landscapes and flowerpots as well as hand crafted wooden birds. Compiled from works of the centre’s weekly art group (made up of previous homeless clients who used the drop-in service), it also gives a celebratory insight into people who have now gotten their lives back on track.

Despite the extensive selection of arts and crafts on sale in the Lime Café, St. Pauls Centre (venue 15, 55 Chapel Road), the refined watercolour impressions of the countryside and self-portraits (by Arty Boutique) don’t offer the boundary pushing creativity found at other venues.

Just Yoga’s (venue 13, 55 Marine Place) international photographs by Sheila Marchant-Webb and pottery pieces by Ben Barker are impressively arranged. Caroline Robson (venue 17, 4 Ambrose Place) explores the sensation of flowers with abstract, colourful skill.

With the brimming eclecticism on offer, even the less moving exhibitions ensure plenty of memorable moments for differing art lovers. However, it’s having a personal snapshot into the lives of Worthing’s artistic community that really makes Open Houses 2012 an illuminating trip.

The final weekend of Worthing Open Houses Exhibition is Saturday and Sunday June 30 and July 1 from 11am to 5pm with free entry. For further information on venues and artists, visit  http://worthingopenhouses.com/.

West Dean Chilli Fiesta to spice up Chichester

Published in the August issue of Sussex Life magazine. 

Chilli fans wanting to celebrate the flavour and heritage of the hot pepper will enjoy the West Dean Chilli Fiesta from Friday July 27 to Sunday July 29 in Chichester.

The Fiesta, which started in 1995, will be held a week earlier than usual in West Dean Gardens and will be a creative mix of dancing and cookery tips.

After attracting over 19000 visitors in 2011, this year’s Fiesta will open for longer on Saturday and over 100 stallholders will sell chillies, jewellery and clothes.

Garden Manager, Jim Buckland, said: “We expect a pleasant day out in fantastic settings. It seems to hit the button.”

Latin band Mano de Dios will add rhythm and romance to the main stage with their rumbas, flamenco and gypsy inspired music.

Other attractions include ballroom stars Patrick Helm (who has performed on So You Think You Can Dance in the USA) and Kate Moore and the Victorian glasshouses containing an abundance of chillies.

Jim Buckland added the Fiesta had always been popular, but had recently become a prominent feature on the social calendar, attracting larger crowds.

Admission for adults on Saturday and Saturday is £10.40 (£8.60 in advance online). On Friday, it’s £8.60 (£8.10 in advance online) and £0.90 for children.

Opening times are 10:30am to 5pm on Friday and Sunday and 10:30am to 6pm on Saturday. For further information, visit http://www.westdean.org.uk/.