Letter: We Need to Give Modal Shift a Chance

Published on: 26 Dec, 2022
Updated on: 26 Dec, 2022

From: Barry Williams

In response to: Those Considering the London Road Scheme Should Be Aware of Dutch Roundabout Proposal

All road users should familiarise themselves with the revised Highway Code that gives priority to pedestrians and cycles: rules H1, H2, H3 apply.

We have to look at the big picture – such roundabouts will see wider introduction within the UK, it’s called “Modal Shift”, building up our transport infrastructure and services, creating “active travel” opportunities, reducing car use, reducing pollution. Give it a chance.

Yes, Surrey County Council communication was dire with little regard for the effect of the road closure period on the Burpham community and beyond.

However, those campaigning to stop the scheme should ask themselves what happens to these funds if SCC do not spend them; can the Department for Transport recall the central government funding if it is unspent and would SCC then might find themselves at the end of the queue for future road improvement funding?

Responses to Letter: We Need to Give Modal Shift a Chance

S Callanan Reply

December 26, 2022 at 4:30 pm

What does “building up our transport infrastructure and services” actually mean? If it involves significant expenditure, where’s the funding coming from?

And are we saying that we must go ahead with the London Road, Burpham scheme (even if no-one’s really happy with it) for fear we may lose funding for future projects? That way madness lies.
Anthony Mallard Reply

December 27, 2022 at 8:53 am

I am incredulous at the suggestion that taxpayers’ money should be spent unwisely on anything, let alone, a traffic scheme that has more holes in it than an Emmental cheese, on the basis that if funds are not spent, however foolishly and however much disruption such a scheme may cause during its construction and afterwards, the funds will be lost.

The funds will not be lost, except, possibly for this scheme, but they will remain available for others, hopefully ones more thoroughly thought out that may meet the ambition of reducing pollution.

This scheme will, through additional congestion and queueing traffic, undoubtedly increase both, especially when traffic is diverted from the A3 through Burpham, as it often is to cope with accidents, road works and incidents. The maxim should surely be based on improvement not “spend the money anyway just in case it is lost”.