More consultation on Woking 'shared space' cycle scheme

Campaigners for disabled people opposed the scheme to allow cyclists in pedestrian areas

Consultation on a scheme allowing cyclists to use pedestrian areas in a Surrey town has been extended

Woking's "shared space" was made permanent in September after an 18-month trial, but Surrey county councillors requested a review.

The councillors also requested further consultation after groups representing disabled people raised safety concerns.

A six-week consultation began in October, but it has now been extended a further 12 weeks until 27 February.

Safety fears

Woking council said the the shared space was considered to be crucial for the success of the Cycle Woking project, which aimed to get more people cycling across the borough.

Cycle Woking spokeswoman Kate Mair said: "It is important that we take all views into account before making any further decisions about how best to manage the space that is used by both pedestrians and cyclists here in Woking."

The extended consultation also invites people to comment on the shared space in two specific areas of the town centre - one area covering Town Square and Gloucester Walk, and the other area covering Commercial Way and Chobham Road.

Surrey Disabled People's Partnership has criticised the scheme.

It said pedestrians, motorists and cyclists had to make eye contact to establish who moved first, which raised safety concerns for blind and visually impaired people.