Farnham traffic gridlock sparks frustration among motorists
And to add to the local misery – the Wrecclesham Bridge has been hit again!!!
Major gridlocks have occurred across Farnham in recent weeks, causing delays.
Temporary traffic lights at the top of Downing Street at its junction with West Street and The Borough, as part of the Infrastructure Project Works, are part of the cause.. However, it is wise to remember that we ARE TRAFFIC, and you cannot make omelettes without breaking eggs. The result could be in all our interests. At least we can live in hope.
Commenting on social media, Cllr Chris Jackman, said: “I am just as annoyed as anybody else seeing this. I’m still greatly concerned by the right turn from Castle Street with no lights.”
It’s not gridlock; it’s just slow and inevitable during work. The shift from a car-dominated town centre to one where pedestrians have, at last, a safer environment is long overdue.
As always, motorists need to remember that they aren’t in traffic; they are traffic. Many journeys around and between Farnham, Hale, and Wrecclesham could be made on foot or by bike. If people who could avoid driving did so, traffic would be much lighter for people with fewer choices, e.g., those with mobility issues.
The combination of these delays is causing traffic to back up in and around Farnham, creating a morning of chaos.
Frustration is growing among locals, who criticise Surrey County Council on social media for approving the Infrastructure Project.
Delays occur at the Shepard and Flock Roundabout on the A31, where traffic is down to one lane due to Thames Water carrying out emergency sewage repairs.
A spokesperson for Thames Water said, “ We’re sorry if you’re affected by emergency sewer repairs on the Shepherd & Flock roundabout.
We will be setting up tankers to manage the sewer’s flow, ensuring there is no flooding to your home and the environment. The public footpath where we work will be closed, and diversions will be in place. We apologise for any disruption or increased noise this could cause.
However, sewage water is flowing down the path at Shepherd & Flock Roundabout towards Guildford Road in front of Bourne Mill Antiques Centre, and the smell is making life even more miserable for those trying to get onto the congested roundabout.
Congestion at the Shepherd & Flock is causing more disruption to the A31 towards Guildford and the A31 on the Farnham Bypass.
You couldn’t make it up.
Well in the case of SCC and anything to do with Farnham you definitely could.
Nobody considered emergencies in the critical path plan for the Infrastructure Plan.
In a country with creaking infrastructure it’s a must. Any senior planners knows that it will happen and a plan F is required.
MM has muttered on the FIP loud and long and is glad to read that others are beginning to question the whole miserable fiasco.
Biggest issue. Things have moved on since it was designed and traders have no margins left. Every customer lost is another step towards closing.
Blame SCC and Hunt for this. Farnham Town Council have no practical authority over this mess. Nor does WBC. But MM knows that the ire is heading towards them in the shovel load.
MM is in no mood for excuses and not should the residents of Farnham be.
Time to call your county councillor and your MPs underling and give them a stiff bit of reality.
MM
We can all whine/blame/mutter (and some are experts in this field)
There have been too many plans over the last 50 years that have fallen by the wayside. Unless someone has a better plan, lets just get on with it. A more pedestrian friendly town with flowing traffic. will attract visitors to our town centre businesses.
All of us who live here – live in hope. WW
Yes drivers ARE the traffic – but they also become pedestrians (when visiting town) once they arrive and park their cars. Farnham has three car parks within the town centre: The Hart (incl Upper Hart) Central and Wagon Yard.
However, many of those who visit the town actually drive from one car park to another, if shopping or visiting different parts of town. This can be preferable to walking along the existing congested and narrow pavements (which haven’t changed for over 50 years) I hope once the town has become more pedestrian friendly with wider pavements, it will be easier (and even enjoyable) to walk from one part of town to the other.