Letter: Creosoting Unsightly Telegraph Poles Adds Insult to Injury

Published on: 27 Mar, 2026
Updated on: 29 Mar, 2026

Creosoted Telegraph Pole

From Nic Allen

Further to: I Am Amazed These Poles Are Being Allowed

In my previous letter I reported that incongruous telegraph poles have been erected on the bridleway (colloquially known as “Green Lane”) that continues on from The Mount towards the Hog’s Back.

Not only are new telegraph poles and overhead cables such an eyesore but the poles are coated with creosote which is a pollutant.

Due to its carcinogenic nature, its use is restricted to professionals in the UK/EU, with consumer application banned in 2003.

Its use on telegraph poles is detailed in the House of Commons paper (https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/creosote-and-telegraph-poles/) but this paper outlines the issues and danger with creosote use.

Interestingly, I understand creosoted telegraph poles are prohibited in Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). The reason is that they leach harmful creosote which is known to be detrimental to flora and fauna.

But, despite this undeniable evidence of harm, the current Health and Safety Executive extension of permission to continue use of creosote allows power and telecom companies to continue installing these very poles in all other areas across the UK including here on the edge of our Surrey Hills National Landscape, until this month, March 2026.

This means that while our most protected natural sites are safeguarded, our everyday environments are not. It seems that power and telecom companies are not controlled by our local borough council, GBC, because they have permitted development rights and can install telegraph poles etc, where they wish.

Responses to Letter: Creosoting Unsightly Telegraph Poles Adds Insult to Injury

Jim Allen Reply

March 27, 2026 at 7:35 pm

While concerns regarding creosote are noted, it is important to consider the potential implications of alternative solutions. For instance, untreated poles could experience premature deterioration and structural failure in adverse weather conditions.

Concrete poles, while an option, are often perceived as aesthetically undesirable and present their own environmental considerations. Similarly, galvanized steel posts require significant energy expenditure in their production.

The use of underground plastic ducting, derived from petroleum products, also raises environmental concerns, particularly regarding potential leachate effects on sensitive plant life over wider areas.

Perhaps a more fundamental consideration is the necessity of such infrastructure. Eliminating cables and internet altogether could be a solution that satisfies all parties concerns, allowing for a return to simpler, more traditional methods of communication and transportation. ie the ‘telegram boy on his bike’ c.1900.