Letter: London Road Report Will Not Be Shared Prior to Meeting

Published on: 12 Aug, 2024
Updated on: 12 Aug, 2024

From Terry Newman

In response to: Burpham’s London Road Decision Now Expected in September

In a follow-up to the announcement of the intended stakeholder meeting in September, LRAG has received this response from SCC to the request for early sight of the Arup report: “…the report won’t be shared prior to the session – the stakeholder meeting will have a presentation, with an outline of the decision paper and technical paper, with time for queries and discussion.”

There is obviously disappointment and frustration at the lack of willingness and openness to share full details of the review process and outcomes in advance.

At the very least, in order to set residents’ minds at rest that it was an appropriately balanced review, all the pros and cons (ie Terms of Reference) should have been set out in advance for public awareness, if not agreement.

Only seeking answers to limited and/or leading questions about adherence and compliance to Absolute Minimum standards, rather than the recommendations of Active Travel England to achieve best practice, may look acceptable in theory, but local practical experience, from those most likely to be affected, should have been properly incorporated.

The history of misinformation and inaccuracies that were noted during the public engagement led to suspicions about the integrity of the original process, and this reluctance to be entirely open only reinforces concerns.

Responses to Letter: London Road Report Will Not Be Shared Prior to Meeting

Anthony Mallard Reply

August 12, 2024 at 3:33 pm

This is quite clearly an affront to democracy and an obvious situation where SCC is determined to push through its plans against the expressed majority, who completed the unbiased local survey, as against the biased and leading questions of that put forward by the SCC, as well as the many individuals who took time out of their busy lives to attend the public meeting.

SCC commissioned the Arup report – and one wonders if this isn’t a case of “He who pay the piper calls the tune.” By not sharing its conclusions in a timely, open and transparent way, SCC has clearly much to hide that it fears may scupper the rubber stamp exercise that will undoubtedly push it through to approval.

Whilst its not much comfort, those who feel strongly about councillors who adopt an undemocratic, we know best approach to decision making, will have an opportunity to express their displeasure, through the ballot box in the SCC elections, next year.
Bibhas Neogi Reply

August 15, 2024 at 8:32 am

I quote from my comments in, –
https://guildford-dragon.com/letter-we-should-not-give-up-on-the-london-road-scheme/

“In my view, Section 1 design needs to explore the possibility of stopping southbound traffic going to the town centre. Such a measure would only allow a single lane of northbound traffic preferably limited to 20mph.

Freed-up road space could then be used for generous widths of cycle lanes and footways. This would enhance safety a great deal for cyclists and pedestrians.”

Of course to enable such a redesign keeping two-way cycle lanes but only a northbound traffic lane, a southbound route needs to be found. The possibility of creating such a route is shown in, –

https://www.keepandshare.com/doc11/35928/london-road-cycle-lane-redesign-options-pdf-676k

I wonder if SCC has considered such an option when Arup was asked to review the scheme.
Bethan Moore Reply

August 18, 2024 at 10:36 pm

The consultation was completed with the majority of respondents in favour of the changes or neutral. The council seems to be taking pains to ensure that everyone who goes on to use the road and paths are a safe as possible and is now consulting with interest groups with time to answer questions.

It seems pretty standard and open to me. The decision was only to make a few adjustments to the plans, not redesign the whole thing. Thanks to everyone trying to make this important infrastructure the best it can be. I’m looking forward to using it with my family.
Bibhas Neogi Reply

September 22, 2024 at 2:42 pm

Any news about a meeting with interested groups to discuss Arup’s independent review of the SCC design?