Monday, 13 February 2012 16:32

Drivers travelling to or from Brighton this afternoon are being advised to check conditions and leave plenty of extra time for their journey following an incident which has closed lanes on both directions on the A27.

Emergency services were called to the A27 between Falmer and Hollingbury at 12.35pm on Monday 13 February after a light goods lorry and an MG convertible car had collided on the westbound carriageway. The collision forced the lorry into the central reservation and debris was scattered across the eastbound carriageway, striking an eastbound Ford Mondeo saloon and causing it slight damage.
 
The driver of the lorry, who comes from Swindon, and the woman driving the MG and her passenger, were all taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital with back and wrist injuries which were not initially assessed as serious. The Mondeo driver was not hurt.
 
Another westbound car which was following the two vehicles which had collided in that carriageway, also collided with the reservation but the driver was unhurt.
 
The outer lanes of both carriageways remain closed while the Highway Agency carry out road repairs, and it is understood that traffic delays will continue into the rush hour.
 
A Sussex Police spokesman said; "Emergency services worked together to ensure the casualties were treated and taken to safety, and the scene was examined for causes of the collision. All services appreciate that there have been substantial delays on the A27, and are grateful for the understanding of drivers. The scene was left with the Highways Agency by mid-afternoon.
 
"Anyone who saw what happened is asked to contact us via 101 quoting serial 0586 of 13/2."
 
An HGV has overturned on the A27 between the junctions with the A23 at Patcham and the A270 at Falmer near the University of Sussex, resulting in lane restrictions in each direction. Following recovery of the vehicle, repairs to the extensively damaged central reservation barrier are expected to take several hours, and delays may become more severe as the evening rush hour gets underway.
 
Road users can help get ahead of the traffic by checking conditions before they set out, and planning their journeys to avoid the area if possible or to leave extra time to reach their destinations.
 
Regular traffic updates are available on local radio, or by checking the Highways Agency’s traffic information services online.