Plans to reroute HGVs from town centre dropped

HGVs are already largely avoiding the town centre, says a council document

A Surrey council has removed a proposal to redirect heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) away from a town centre.

Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) previously said it wanted to improve the pedestrian environment and reduce disruption in Dorking.

While some backed plans to alleviate heavy vehicle traffic in the historic market town, others - particularly those living near roads where HGVs could be redirected to - were against the idea.

On Tuesday evening, the council's cabinet members agreed to remove the proposal in line with recommendations.

Plans to possibly restrict HGVs around Dorking town centre were first set out in April as part of MVDC's Dorking Masterplan.

Under the proposal, HGVs would have been diverted along Station Road, Chalkpit Lane and Ashcombe Road.

Organisers of an online petition against the proposal previously said it could impact "the health and safety of our community, as it would significantly increase pollution and traffic in areas where our children walk to school daily".

It was signed by more than 1,100 people.

Surveys have shown that HGVs are already largely rerouting away from Dorking town centre, according to a council document.

Before the meeting, MVDC said there was a "genuine desire" from the local authority and residents to improve the town centre, which it added could be "unpleasant" for pedestrians.

However, it said that it recognised "the importance of listening to and giving full consideration to all community feedback".

Speaking ahead of the cabinet meeting, Dorking resident Pierre Tartari told the BBC the proposal could reduce wear and tear on West Street, which he said was one of the oldest streets in Surrey.

He described HGVs as a risk to the town centre's heritage buildings, especially those from the 15th and 16th centuries.

Mr Tartari said he was also worried the large vehicles could lead to an accident as the pavements were narrow.

Bradley Nelson, the council's cabinet member for planning and infrastructure, said MVDC had received two petitions on the issue since April.

"Having spoken directly to the petitioners on this issue, it's clear that everybody involved has the clear goal of improving our town," he said.

The councillor said the revised plan would "continue to support our core objectives and provides a strong, flexible framework for future planning and funding opportunities".