Calls for bypass due to 'intolerable' traffic

Surrey County Council said measures have been taken at Wrecclesham Bridge to try and prevent HGVs driving underneath it.

A new bypass should be created to ease “intolerable" traffic on an A road in Wrecclesham, a Surrey MP has said.

Greg Stafford, the Conservative MP for Farnham and Bordon, said he was also worried about the risk of HGVS on the road hitting a low bridge in the village.

There has been work to tackle congestion since 2019, when the Farnham Infrastructure programme, involving Surrey County Council, Waverley Borough Council and Farnham Town Council, was set up.

Surrey County Council said it recognises the "traffic challenges" and is trying to identify potential solutions.

“For a long time there has been talk of a Wrecclesham bypass, but it is essential now,” Mr Stafford told BBC Radio Surrey.

“The traffic there is now impossible at rush hour times.

“HGVs keep hitting that bridge and, despite the fact they have put up barriers and painted it fluorescent yellow, it still happens.”

The MP asked a question to Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood in Parliament when he said the situation was "becoming intolerable".

He added: "Will she work with local authorities to provide a Wrecclesham bypass, which is so sought by my constituents?"

Greg Stafford was elected as the new Conservative MP for Farnham and Bordon in July 2024

A spokesperson for SCC said: "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 said it has taken measures at Wrecclesham, including signs and lettering warning heavy goods vehicles against trying to pass underneath the low bridge, which has been painted yellow.

It says it was not aware of any further substantial bridge strikes since last year and will continue to monitor the situation.

Mr Stafford has also raised concerns about the impact of new housing targets on surrounding roads.

A Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: “We have also made it clear that we expect new homes to come with the necessary infrastructure too."