Surrey Council Rejects £6m Active Travel Scheme Amid Safety Concerns

A £6 million active travel initiative, intended to contribute to Surrey’s net zero objectives in Guildford, has been turned down. The decision stems from apprehensions that the plan could compromise pedestrian safety due to cyclists. This proposed project, which involved new cycling and shared pedestrian pathways along London Road in Burpham, had received a recommendation for approval. It also had the support of the county’s leading highways and environment officials. Surrey County Council had sought financial backing from Active Travel England with the aim of establishing separate footways and cycleways. However, the proposal was ultimately dismissed due to safety considerations. Opponents argued that the restricted width of the routes would lead to conflicts between cyclists and pedestrians, while also providing insufficient room for heavy goods vehicles. The initiative garnered support from Guildford MP Zoe Franklin and several ward councillors, including George Potter. They contended that, despite its imperfections, the project represented a significant enhancement compared to the existing infrastructure, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. These political figures stated that the current unsafe condition of the road and pathways deterred individuals from walking and cycling, thereby contributing to increased congestion on the primary route serving Guildford town centre. Conversely, some critics disagreed, asserting that the scheme would have fostered direct clashes between pedestrians and cyclists, discouraged vulnerable individuals from utilizing public transport, and, in its most constricted part, generated severe bottlenecks. Ultimately, the objections prevailed. Surrey County Council leader Tim Oliver declared that a definitive conclusion had been reached regarding the issue, which had been under development for two years. Yasmin Broome, representing the Surrey Coalition of Disabled People, informed the council that cyclists consistently rode at excessive speeds and in a disorderly manner along London Road. She stated: “Please keep our disabled community safe and stop these proposals.” For updates, follow BBC Surrey on Facebook and X. Story ideas can be sent to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.