Letter: Zero Carbon – Nothing But Hot Exhaust

Published on: 19 May, 2025
Updated on: 20 May, 2025

From Albert Ross

See: New Signage at Nature Reserve Unveiled

George Potter, the lead councillor for environment and climate, highlighting Guildford Borough Council’s nature conservation work at Tyting Farm, says: “As we combat the effects of climate change in Guildford, it’s important we look after our parks and green spaces.

“Our aim is to be Net Zero by 2030 and projects like this one support that target.”

Does Cllr Potter not find it somewhat ironic that on Sunday (May 18) his council welcomed into Guildford over 1,000 motorcycles to start a rally from Guildford High Street to then cruise around the Surrey countryside?

[The YouTube clip below shows the bikers starting off in Guildford High street and progressing into the Surrey Hills. The bike ride has raised £90,000, so far, for charity.]

Having contaminated Guildford High Street with air and noise pollution, the motorcyclists then cruised around the Surrey countryside. Aside from the pollution, the CO2 emissions were significant and unnecessary.

How is this contributing to our Net Zero goals? What will it take for our politician to understand the crisis we face? When will our “leaders” demonstrate some principled leadership and integrity by not endorsing this type of event?

Responses to Letter: Zero Carbon – Nothing But Hot Exhaust

George Potter Reply

May 20, 2025 at 10:46 pm

No, I don’t find it especially ironic, because the use of the High Street for events (such as the charity motorcycle ride) is something decided by the county council, which is responsible for the roads, rather than by the borough council.

If, on the other hand, the borough council were in charge of the roads and transport then I would certainly want our net zero strategy to include a goal of massively reducing the carbon emissions of transport in our area, but even then I could think of a great many more effective ways to accomplish that goal than simply banning charity motorbike rides within the area (especially since electric motorbikes exist).

However, anyone interested in seeing more about how our borough (and not just the borough council) is responding to the climate emergency should come along to Guildford Green Day on Sunday June 8 from 11am to 4pm. There is an awful lot being done across the borough to combat the climate crisis and improve sustainability, and this is the kind of event which, being organised by the council, is something we are very proud to endorse.

Personally, when it comes to the motorbike ride, I’d much rather withold my “endorsement” from car-dependent developments, commuter transport systems that leave people reliant on cars, and freight/package delivery systems designed around HGVs and vans, than I would from a charity fundraiser. Whilst I obviously don’t believe the carbon emissions of a motorbike rally help the climate crisis, I think focusing on the systemic problems we desperately need to address is a more productive use of time and effort than taking a stand against a one-off fundraising event.

George Potter is the Lib Dem borough councillor for Burpham and county councillor for Guildford East
Sara Tokunaga Reply

May 21, 2025 at 1:03 pm

As Cllr Potter holds the rather grand title of Lead Councillor for Environment and Climate Change for GBC, and is a SCC Councillor as well, I would hope he did express some disquiet prior to this event being held.

Mr Ross made perfectly valid points with regard to pollution and CO2 emissions. Taking a stand against 1,000 motorbikes, I would have thought, is a “productive use of time and effort”.
- George Potter Reply
  
  May 21, 2025 at 3:14 pm
  
  Given that this was not an event which required GBC permission, and which was not held in the SCC division which I represent as a backbencher, nobody consulted me for my opinion on the motorbike ride before it took place.
  
  George Potter is the Lib Dem borough councillor for Burpham and county councillor for Guildford East
Angela Richardson Reply

May 22, 2025 at 6:38 am

How about a focus on big strategic solutions to help with emissions and stop sucking the joy out of a fun, family-friendly,fundraising event. No need to nit-pick the small stuff.

Angela Richardson is the former Conservative MP for Guildford