Letter: More Cars, More Pollution

Published on: 6 May, 2022
Updated on: 6 May, 2022

From: Jeremy Varns

In response to: Yet Another Walnut Tree Close Closure As One-way Trial Repeated

Those complaining about the impact on other roads should consider whether it’s socially and morally acceptable to drive everywhere, especially in and around urban areas.

Air quality In Guildford is consistently above WHO [World Health Organisation] guidelines and in some cases, breaching legal limits.

The solution is fewer cars. Pavements are being used illegally by motorists as we’re literally running out of parking spaces, due to the unsustainable levels of car dependency.

Hundreds of vehicles are passing through Guildford every minute adding little or no value to the economy while blighting the area and creating a hostile environment for those walking and cycling.

It’s time for policymakers and the authorities to wake up to the realities facing us.

More cars, more pollution, more ill health and obesity or an alternative vision where people can actually breathe clean air and walk-in safety.

Responses to Letter: More Cars, More Pollution

A J Ferenczy Reply

May 14, 2022 at 9:06 am

Mr Varns is absolutely correct. Unfortunately, for decades road planning in and around Guildford has consisted, in essence, of covering the whole place in traffic lights, as if scattered from above by some hideous Satanic salt cellar.

The useless set that has appeared at the entrance to the Milbrook car park on the A281 is a prime case in point. “Dumb” on a timer, for most of the day their only purpose is to continually stop the traffic on the main road while nothing goes in or out of the car park, with all the extra stinking pollution and particulates created.

Those who have experienced it rejoice when, as occasionally happens, the power fails to the Stoke Road junction lights, and the traffic flow improves beyond recognition. Meanwhile, the tuppence tossed toward promoting safe sustainable transport has simply seen that option get more and more dangerous and unattractive to all. With “planning” like that, there really is no hope.
Simon Firth Reply

June 10, 2022 at 8:53 am

I am seeing a lot more cyclists around town. Some residents have a brain.
- B Dalli Reply
  
  June 11, 2022 at 4:31 pm
  
  Yes, I have noticed more cyclists as well, it’s encouraging.