On the morning of 27th February, Surrey County Council announced their decisions on the proposed active travel scheme on London Road.
Part 1 of the scheme, from New Inn Lane to the Boxgrove Roundabout, will be subject to a further design review as concerns have been raised both about the width of the carriageway, which is regularly used by buses and HGVs.
Part 2, relating to improvements to the Boxgrove Roundabout, will go ahead with an adapted design based on community engagement. The County Council have said this will not be a ‘Dutch-style’ roundabout as previously mooted, but will still contain improvements for pedestrians and cyclists.
Part 3, between the Boxgrove Roundabout and York Road, will not proceed due to design concerns and the existing routes through Stoke Park.
Whilst I appreciate there will both be those that welcome the decision as there will be those who are disappointed, it is important that we work together to implement changes that reduce disruption on the community and improve road safety. I welcome the new pedestrian crossings which will be installed at Nightingale Road and Winterhill Way, which I know has been asked for by residents.
This process has demonstrated the importance of engaging with the community at an early stage and what can happen when residents do not feel consulted. The second consultation has provided a wide opportunity for engagement and I would like to thank all the local groups, such as G-Bug, the London Road Action Group, the London Road Active Travel Survey Group, local schools, businesses and residents for making their views heard throughout this process.
I would like to thank the Leader of Surrey County Council, Cllr Tim Oliver, for his continued hands-on engagement and for being considerate of the views of all residents. This decision was always going to be complex, given the local strength of feeling.
Over the last year, I have engaged closely with Surrey County Council and Cllr Oliver personally, facilitating discussions with residents and groups. I have also been regularly listening to local views when out knocking on doors in Burpham, hearing from constituents by email and by attending local residents’ meetings, such as the one at George Abbot School in January 2023.
Residents can be rightly assured that I will continue to follow this matter closely and pay close attention to the changes made to Parts 1 and 2.
Should any resident wish to share their views with me, they are always welcome to contact me at angela.richardson.mp@parliament.uk
