Of course it is always worth it ,when you get to the seafront for Airbourne, but this year has been more problematic than usual, in terms of travel.
Every year Eastbourne Eco Action Network undertakes a travel survey for the event. It is designed to collect data for Eastbourne Borough Council’s (EBC) Net Zero ambitions but there is also plenty of information and visitor feedback that organisers can use for next year. This year there were 140 surveys randomly selected by time of day, day of the week and location so it should be a representative set of respondents. Many of this year’s issues were linked to the very hot weather.
As a principle Airbourne and EBC are clear “Please help us to reduce our carbon footprint and use public transport if you can.” This would also reduce road traffic. So how did visitors get there? It is complex, as visitors can use 2 or 3 methods but here are the top 4
Car 42%
Walk 23%
Bus / Coach 19%
Train 9%
This year, rail was perhaps most affected. It was causing nervousness as to how respondents would get home. As readers will know the latest heatwave caused a problem on the track and a derailed train near Lewes. They are planning to remove the damaged train before Monday. Then on Saturday a landslide between Polegate and Lewes. This had a knock on effect on London trains going to and from Hastings. So some services were cancelled, plus on top of this some others were cancelled due to staff shortages. On Sunday PM there are bus replacement services but they are using the already congested road network and are busy.
The Airbourne website says “Due to ongoing rail disruption today, we recommend travelling to Airbourne by car, with plenty of overflow parking available at Five Acres.”
Buses were less of an issue but the same comments, as in previous years, included why is there not clear signage from the station to the bus stop opposite it, where the Service 3 would take visitors to the ‘Theatres’, that is the bus stop closest to Western Lawns. One respondent took a taxi, due to lack of signage and the heat. This lack of information was not helped, that at times the bus display in the station was not working
The next most commented on, is the Park and Ride. You do not have to Park to Ride or vice-versa. Long term residents, near the Sovereign Centre, did not know this. They could get a direct fast bus to the Pier. There were also adverse comments around a £2.50 single fare, that is possible, but not advertised.
There was feedback around an out of town Park and Ride, perhaps at Cophall, as long as there is a fast route in. Perhaps a coned off lane on Lottbridge Drove at peak times. Linked to this, if EBC are running these car parks and support more ‘Electric Vehicles’ why do they not give them cheaper prices? The idea put forward was £5 off for anyone with green flashes on their registration plates.
The number of those walking may seem high but many are visitors who stay at hotels, with friends and family, Airbnb or camping. Although they may have come hundred of miles, on the day they are just ‘round the corner’. There are also locals and workers who are in town and pop over for a few hours. It all adds up.
EEAN hope to publish a fuller report around Airbourne travel patterns and the event’s carbon footprint within the week
Paul Humphreys – Eastbourne Eco Action Network