Letter: Guildford Traffic – It’s Time for Action

Published on: 3 Aug, 2016
Updated on: 3 Aug, 2016

From Fiona White

Lib Dem county councillor for Guildford West

Every time there is an incident on the A3, we end up with gridlock through Guildford. It causes misery for local people and those who use the road for journeys they need to make.

We are told time and again by the leadership at Surrey and Guildford councils that they are writing to and having meetings with the minister.

People here will remember the headlines that £10million of government money had been allocated to improve the A3 through Guildford. I have had meetings with Highways England and have been told repeatedly that they are carrying out surveys and putting together plans to alleviate the problem.

Under the draft Guildford Local Plan, there are proposals for thousands of new houses along with other developments, including business growth. Guildford Borough Council is saying that the developments will not take place without the right infrastructure.

My fear is that central government will force that building onto us without putting in the money needed to make the roads work.

It is time for the talking, letter writing, surveying etc to stop. It is time for some action.

Responses to Letter: Guildford Traffic – It’s Time for Action

Jan Messinger Reply

August 3, 2016 at 12:12 pm

I think we all agree with that comment. Sadly it is not just the A3 that causes Guildford to grind to a halt. There are more M3 accidents causing our A roads to be more congested.

The roads are too busy now let alone after more houses and businesses. Some of Guildford Borough Council’s proposals will make it worse for those of us who live here, not better.
Sue Warner Reply

August 3, 2016 at 4:23 pm

I totally agree with the letter but then they come up with hair-brained schemes like shutting Walnut Tree Close which will do nothing but make the situation worse.

It needs someone with common sense that can veto these stupid schemes.

Just look at the hash they made of the turning out of Waitrose into York Road, just ridiculous, and all the council can do is stick covers over some of the lights which does nothing to help the situation.

If people who are doing this are left to sort out the traffic problems, heaven help us!
Ben Paton Reply

August 9, 2016 at 10:16 am

Every time there is an incident? Every morning and evening more like.

£10m of government money? The BBC reports that it costs well over £30m per mile to build motorway. That’s probably out of date and an underestimate in urban areas.

If the local plan proceeds it is certain that property developers will build houses (not social houses, of course) and it is highly improbable that the real infrastructure issues will be addressed. It’s been going on for decades.

Madness is to continue doing the same things and to expect different results.