Major improvements to public transport and a clear strategy on the roads are being demanded by candidates for Sussex seats.

David Lepper, who is defending his Brighton Pavilion seat for Labour, does not drive and so travels everywhere using public transport.

Mr Lepper said: "There needs to be better rail links to and across the city of Brighton and Hove.

"I would like to see a service like the Gatwick Express, operating from the airport to Brighton and Hove.

"This would encourage visitors from abroad to base themselves here rather than in London.

"There should be a huge investment in the network providing a link between here and Ashford and the Channel Tunnel.

"I also believe the rail links across Brighton and Hove should be improved.

"I would like to see a network of small hopper buses and trains running from Falmer to Southwick."

Tim Loughton, Conservative candidate for East Worthing and Shoreham, said: "The Worthing bypass is a headache.

"It is badly needed but nobody can agree where it should go. Every time suggestions are made you get 15,000 people signing a petition against it, and then another 12,000 sign a petition against the alternative.

"I have been trying to get all sides to come up with something which everyone can agree on to take things forward."

Mr Loughton said the development of Shoreham Harbour over the next 20 years had thrown up problems for the future.

Thousands of jobs and homes would be created there by plans to develop one of the biggest brownfield sites in the South.

A media village, major leisure facilities and new industrial sites are among projects mooted.

But only eight per cent of the site's potential can be developed with its existing road system.

Mr Loughton said it was vital to put in place a proper road network if the whole site was to be developed.

Anthea Ballam, Green candidate for Hove, said studies showed three quarters of rail users wanted Railtrack renationalised.

They were extremely unhappy with safety issues highlighted by recent train crashes, and delays caused by repairs and safety work.

She said the resulting stress caused to commuters was a threat to their health and represented a hidden cost to the taxpayer through increased use of health services.

Miss Ballam said: "I also want to see more cycle lanes provided in Brighton and Hove.

"We must also look to Europe where they have proven transport systems which encourage people to leave their cars at home."

Norman Baker, Liberal Democrat candidate for Lewes, said huge investment was needed both in the network and in rolling stock.

He said fares should be reduced to encourage people to make inter-urban journeys and leave their cars at home.

He also wants to see the Lewes to Uckfield line reopened and Newhaven's existing three stations combined into a purpose-built site to cater for rail, freight and passenger services.

Mr Baker said: "Bus deregulation has been a disaster and we need a new national system."

Mr Baker said he wanted to see a residents' parking scheme introduced in Lewes to sort out street parking problems there.

May 30, 2001