Letter: Delay for Further Engagement Is Incredibly Disappointing News

Published on: 15 Dec, 2022
Updated on: 15 Dec, 2022

From: Nathan Cassidy

In response to: County Council Climbs Down Over London Road Works – Further ‘Engagement’ Period Announced

The announcement of a delay to the proposed roadworks on London Road in Burpham is incredibly disappointing news.

The scheme would obviously have caused some short-term inconvenience but would have produced much greater long-term benefits. But nothing will be allowed to improve in this town whilst the Nimbys get their way.

I just wonder how they will live with themselves when somebody inevitably gets hurt or worse on a bike thanks to a wreck-less driver

The response from some readers has frankly been ridiculous, with one even questioning the council’s “moral compass”. The council was absolutely morally correct to create safe passage for those who wish to travel in a manner which doesn’t pollute the planet.

Where is the moral compass of those who will do nothing to prevent the pollution of our town? Air pollution was ruled as a cause of death of a child two years ago.

I encourage anyone who has concerns about the movement of less-mobile people to read the report from the disabled charity Wheels for Well-being on “invisible cyclists”. It goes into how cycling is often easier than walking for disabled people. So this short-term inconvenience could have incredible benefits for this community in the future.

People don’t really care about consultation, they just don’t want this to go ahead. There was no consultation on the destruction of a large swathe of woodland to construct this new A3-M25 junction, which will cost many millions and only make traffic worse through induced demand.

There was some outcry, but nothing near the level we have seen for this.

Responses to Letter: Delay for Further Engagement Is Incredibly Disappointing News

Paul Robinson Reply

December 15, 2022 at 1:57 pm

I really don’t see how the lack of consultation about the removal of trees (sad as it is) in the middle of nowhere can be compared to consultation over the closure of a main route into Guildford that will affect thousands of residents and road users.
Drew Baker Reply

December 15, 2022 at 3:26 pm

Others can bang on about “moral compass” as much as they like, but the hard fact is that this is yet another total shambles from SCC and GBC*.

It’s got nothing to do with what’s being suggested, but how it’s being done. Those in power are yet again riding roughshod over the residents with a ludicrous scheme presumably dreamt up the back of a fag packet at County Hall.

If this is how councils think progress will be made in saving the planet and promoting sustainable transport solutions, then God help us all.

*Editor’s Note: This scheme is not Guildford Borough Council’s. Transport is a county council responsibility.
Erin Lyon Reply

December 15, 2022 at 4:14 pm

The council’s postponement of the works is incredibly short-sighted. The long term issue of congestion in Guildford will actually be assisted by putting this plan into motion so that more people can safely cycle rather than rely on cars.
Laura White Reply

December 15, 2022 at 4:40 pm

The proposed changes would also have been of benefit to pedestrians along that stretch of road. Often, when I am out for a run, I use that route, to get back to Guildford, and have had a few near-misses with cyclists who are using the pavement rather than the inadequate and unsafe cycle lane on the road. But alas, cars remain king.