MP Calls for Wrecclesham Bypass Due to ‘Intolerable’ Traffic Conditions

A Surrey Member of Parliament has advocated for the construction of a new bypass to alleviate “intolerable” traffic conditions on an A road in Wrecclesham. Greg Stafford, the Conservative MP for Farnham and Bordon, also voiced apprehension regarding the potential for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) to strike a low bridge within the village. Efforts to address congestion have been ongoing since 2019, when the Farnham Infrastructure programme, a collaborative initiative involving Surrey County Council, Waverley Borough Council, and Farnham Town Council, was established. Surrey County Council has acknowledged the “traffic challenges” in the area and stated its ongoing efforts to identify potential solutions. Mr Stafford conveyed to BBC Radio Surrey that while “For a long time there has been talk of a Wrecclesham bypass, but it is essential now.” He further elaborated, stating, “The traffic there is now impossible at rush hour times,” and added, “HGVs keep hitting that bridge and, despite the fact they have put up barriers and painted it fluorescent yellow, it still happens.” The MP raised the issue in Parliament, posing a question to Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood, where he described the situation as “becoming intolerable.” He then asked, “Will she work with local authorities to provide a Wrecclesham bypass, which is so sought by my constituents?” A spokesperson for SCC stated: “We recognise the traffic challenges in the area and are reviewing the local concerns in the vicinity to identify potential solutions that address the needs of the community while aligning with broader priorities.” The council reported implementing measures in Wrecclesham, such as installing signs and lettering to caution heavy goods vehicles against attempting to pass under the low bridge, which has been painted yellow. It also indicated that it has not been informed of any significant bridge strikes since the previous year and intends to keep monitoring the situation. Furthermore, Mr Stafford has voiced worries regarding the effect of new housing targets on the road network in the surrounding areas. A spokesperson for the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government commented: “We have also made it clear that we expect new homes to come with the necessary infrastructure too.”