Council to discuss traffic improvement plans

Mole Valley District Council says the proposed Dorking Masterplan aims to reduce traffic and pedestrian environment in the town centre

A local authority in Surrey is due to consider a proposal to improve traffic in Dorking.

The plan, known as the Dorking Masterplan, includes recommendations to redirect heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) away from the town centre, aimed at improving the pedestrian environment and reducing disruption.

Mole Valley District Council's (MVDC's) scrutiny committee is due to discuss the proposal on 7 October.

The council says should there be any changes to the road network it requires a formal Traffic Regulation Order (TRO), which itself requires public consultation from Surrey County Council (SCC).

A proposed amendment has also been submitted to remove the TRO requirement in the masterplan and MVDC is due to discuss this on 21 October.

Bradley Nelson, MVDC's cabinet member for planning and infrastructure, said: "While the original proposal to restrict HGVs was based on evidence and there is a genuine desire from residents and MVDC to improve the town centre environment, we recognise the importance of listening to and giving full consideration to all community feedback."

He added the revised version of the masterplan continues to support the council's objectives and "provides a strong, flexible framework for future planning and funding opportunities".

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