AN Eastbourne Councillor has launched a petition calling on the Liberal Democrat-run council to scrap plans to charge visitors £10 to access Beachy Head and the surrounding downlands.
The proposal, part of the council’s Clean Air Zone initiative, would see non-residents paying £10 per visit, while Eastbourne residents would receive a limited allocation of free passes, roughly one every two weeks.
A pilot of the scheme is planned for Spring 2026, with full implementation expected in Summer 2026.
Conservative Councillor David Small, who is leading the petition, said: “A new Lib Dem policy document has revealed that the iconic Eastbourne downlands could soon face a London-style ULEZ toll, making Beachy Head available only to those able to afford the new £10 access charge.
“Eastbourne residents will get an allocation of passes, equivalent to just once a fortnight.
Everyone else will be expected to pay £10 per visit. There’s no evidence to show any environmental benefit from these plans.
“In reality, it’s a revenue raiser that will price out ordinary families, devastate local tourism businesses, create a two-tier access system and discriminate against elderly and disabled visitors.
“This all follows the scrapping of free downland parking earlier this year. I’ve launched a petition calling on the Lib Dems to scrap these ideologically driven plans and commit to never charging to access our natural heritage.”
The council’s proposal document frames the plan as more than a traffic or emissions measure, stating: “This strategy represents a new kind of access management – one that is not merely about traffic control or emissions. The Seven Sisters Clean Air Zone (SSCAZ) is a compassion-first policy, rooted in environmental justice, emotional wellbeing and civic responsibility. Through sensitive implementation and transparent public engagement, this plan aims to transform Beachy Head into a safer, more sustainable and emotionally supported landscape for future generations.”
Despite this description, critics argue that the toll could price out ordinary families, damage local tourism and create a two-tier system of access to one of Eastbourne’s most iconic natural landmarks.
The petition is urging residents to sign and share to help ensure Beachy Head remains free and accessible to all.
Sign the petition here: eastbourneconservatives.org.uk/news/say-no-to-toll
