Letter: We Need 20mph Limits to Tackle the Real Safety Issues in Guildford

Published on: 13 Jan, 2026
Updated on: 13 Jan, 2026

From David Smith

In response to: New 20mph Speed Limits Proposed for Merrow’s Residential Roads

Another 20mph speed limit which fails to tackle the real risks.

Surely the number one priority for a 20mph speed limit in Merrow is the stretch of the Epsom Road outside the Merrow shops?

Here people parallel park on the southern side of the road or simply live south of the Epsom Road and then attempt to cross to get to the shops which include an M&S Simply Food, Boots Pharmacy, and children’s dance studio. Why is this key road excluded while countless small cul-de-sacs (where it would be physically impossible to go faster than 20mph) are included?

I recall a pensioner who died after colliding with a sports car on the Epsom Road near the Horse and Groom in March 2007 the Surrey Advertiser headline read: Husband sees wife die in road crossing collision. Can we see some common sense here?

Also, while we are at it, can Bridge Street in central Guildford, the Farnham Road (outside the County School) and Guildford Park Road by the back entrance to the Railway Station be considered?

These are very real risk areas, I have no idea why there appears to be budget to implement 20 mph schemes in Shalford, Onslow Village and Merrow and not to tackle the real issues in Guildford. Or will these come at a later stage?

Responses to Letter: We Need 20mph Limits to Tackle the Real Safety Issues in Guildford

Jim Allen Reply

January 13, 2026 at 5:43 pm

We asked for the 30mph be extend to Bowers Lane [Burpham] last year. Since the request to reduce it to 30mph to west of Burpham Lane there has been four cars written off in that section. SCC never ever take notice of residents.

30mph is reasonable but 20mph is beyond the pail. 20mph has no justification save outside schools. It is not practical on any “A” roads, they are the transport links between towns, not rat runs, not pedestrian walkways, not cycle superhighways but arteries of the country.