Letter: The Preferred “Y Solution” for Guildford’s Traffic Would Not Work

Published on: 25 Oct, 2022
Updated on: 25 Oct, 2022

The preferred “Y Option”

From: Bibhas Neogi

In response to: Traffic Proposal Would Allow Pedestrianisation

If the preferred “Y solution” proposal were implemented as part of Guildford’s masterplan, Portsmouth Road would be overloaded.

It would require right-turning traffic both ways at the western end of the Friary Bridge. It would need a three-phase traffic signal system. During peak hours this arrangement would, I believe, lead to tailbacks on all arms of the road system.

Friary Bridge needs to be closed to traffic in order to create the regenerated riverside areas.

Bridge Street no longer really needs to be fully pedestrianised, as the main pedestrian route should be over the new £5 million Walnut Footbridge that lines up with the relocated main railway station entrance once Solum finishes their development.

I have no idea of Mr Taylor’s background in traffic or Civil Engineering, but I wonder whether he has visited my website and studied the sketches that show the various improvements I suggested.

My approach is holistic in that it takes into account the diverse needs of both motorised and non-motorised traffic. It aims to build new footbridges and road infrastructure that enables wider footways and cycle lanes to be built and not create additional congestion.

Congestion is pretty bad at the moment and any worsening would kill off businesses in Guildford if traffic were restricted in the way the councils are suggesting. They would need to procure land for the road either by negotiation or Compulsory Purchase Order once the proposed east-west route is firmed up.

Yes, new infrastructure costs money but there is scope for the developers to acquire land and properties alongside the route and build apartments and pay Community Infrastructure Levy or Section 106 contributions towards the cost. There is a good case for applying for Central Government grants.

Surely Guildford needs a new east-west crossing since the last one built in 1845.

Apartments could be generally higher in these non-central areas of Guildford, and these would create additional affordable housing that is so badly needed.