The Guildford Society has responded to the Transport for South East consultation on their Strategic Investment Plan (See original Post on this subject at fooot of this post.). We concentrated our comments on the immediate Guildford Area.
Overall, we found the document provided a sensible view on the challenges and opportunities to improve transport in the South East; and the benefits of taking action.
Our comments were also informed by the work we conducted to publish a ‘Transport in Guildford Borough Manifesto for Change - April 2022’ See link to 'Transport Options for Guildford' at foot of post
Our comments were, the letter/numbers refer to specific initiatives proposed in the SIP report.
The recent report ‘Financing the Future – What it does levelling up mean for the Southeast of England? by South East Councils provides further background to the issues facing the South East and could be usefully referenced in the final SIP.
We are supportive of L14 Rural Bus Survive Improvements. With the growth of population current and planned at Horsham, Cranleigh and Guildford we would also proposes the A281 may suffer more congestion particularly as it passes through a number of villages. As the Southwest quadrant of the M25 is at or exceeding capacity parallel routes are becoming ever more used including the A281 corridor.
A corridor to keep under review?
The society is supportive of this policy but also believes there is an option that hasn’t been considered.
Rail should also be considered, the local rail network centred on Guildford is relatively dense 5 lines radiating from the central station. Local Stations are planned to be supplemented by two new local stations at the Western and Eastern fringes of Guildford. Guildford is geographically difficult to by-pass being in a gap in the North Towns and the current road network is congested. An option is to use the rail network more effectively. Tram Trains could be a viable solution which would allow local linkages, via short lengths of new tracks, to strategic sites across the borough. See pages 34-35 of our Transport in Guildford Borough Manifesto for Change - April 2022
Developing a robust strategic plan for the A3 through the borough is essential to solve safety, pollution, congestion issues. We support a speedy bringing forward of proposals. Upgrading the A3 is a major component of the Guildford Local Plan as it unlocks various sites.
We are supportive of this proposal but believe the report could usefully document as a separate table, aspirations to improve interregional transport. O12 for example could usefully provide a means to serve a Birmingham - Gatwick/Brighton axis. Note - Charles Dodgson (Lewis Carol) whose family lived in Guildford whilst he was an academic at Oxford praised the rail services from Guildford to Oxford with only one stop at Reading!!!
Has been much discussed and promoted in the past. It would be good to see real progress on this development. We hope the issues of 3rd rail vs. 25Kv electrification have been resolved which appear, in part, to have held up progress. The planned use of Diesel/Electric Bi-modes on the North Downs Lines gives an ideal opportunity to implement electrification on an incremental basis whilst the stock is in use.
Agree with this proposal but recognise that Reigate level crossing is a difficult issue to solve, and we note initiative N5 to add a junction at Redhill to the M25. Note - A possibility that relates to our proposed use of Tram Trains (in point C) above is maybe have a Tram Train Service that reverses before Reigate to increase frequency Guildford-Dorking. Tram Trains with fast acceleration and short length (Staff can rapidly change ends) should be able to slot between Heavy Rail services easily.
TfSE Schemes proposed for Guildford Area View article
Transport for South East (TfSE) the Sub-national Transport Body for the South East have published their draft Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) for South East England. This plan provides a framework for investment in strategic transport infrastruc... View article
Transport Options for Guildford View article
Guildford Town being in a gap in a river valley, surrounded by hills, and areas of significant landscape value particularly to the south has major issues in expanding its transport infrastructure. There has been discussion on supplementing the ... View article
Strategic Investment in Transport in Sou... View article
Transport for the South East (TfSE) is a grouping of councils in the South Eat that has developed a Transport Strategy for the Region covering the next 30 years. TfSE state their priorities for the transport system is “decarbonise th... View article
Help us make Guildford better
We want our town to be vibrant, attractive and liveable. We support development that brings a sense of place and enhances the best aspects of our town. If such aims can be embraced, we believe Guildford has the chance to lead the way in enabling sensitive and sustainable development.
Pressures for development are increasing. Planning rules are being eased. The Society’s commitment to standing up for Guildford is needed more than ever.
Support Us
Getting involved allows the society to continue its work. We welcome new members, from every age and background. Membership provides an opportunity for you to contribute to the continued health of the town and surrounding area, and to meet other people who care about Guildford.
