Guildford: Part of controversial A3100 plans dropped

Surrey County Council was awarded government money to make changes to the road into Guildford

Part of a plan to make a busy Guildford road safer for walkers and cyclists has been scrapped.

Proposals were drawn up for work on the A3100, between the New Inn Lane roundabout and York Road crossroads, to be carried out in three phases.

Planned changes along the route included new cycle lanes, updated crossings and bus stop upgrades.

Surrey County Council's leader decided the future of the works at a meeting on Tuesday.

He proceeded with officer recommendations not to progress plans for the part nearest to Guildford town centre, saying an alternative safe route was available through Stoke Park.

But at Boxgrove roundabout changes will be made to improve the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.

Planned works between New Inn Lane and the Boxgrove roundabout will be reviewed, with council leader Tim Oliver saying new plans should be available by the summer.

Concerns for this section of London Road included the width meaning two HGVs could not pass each other and may encroach on cycle lanes, Mr Oliver said.

Public feedback considered

A public survey on the plans attracted 995 responses.

Mr Oliver said public feedback had shaped the decision but was taken into consideration alongside expert advice from officers.

He said the council remained committed to improving cycling and walking facilities across the county and would continue to invest in new infrastructure.

Funding for the scheme as a whole was provided by central government as part of the Active Travel England agency.

The council will reallocate unused funds to promote walking and cycling in another part of the county.

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