MP expresses anger over Egham level crossing delays

In October, residents of Egham reported having to wait up to 20 minutes for level crossings to open

A Surrey MP has expressed anger over the "huge disruption" caused to traffic by a level crossing in Egham.

Dr Ben Spencer, MP for Runnymede and Weybridge, has called on Network Rail and the Office of Road and Rail to act over the crossings on Thorpe Lane.

In October, local residents said they have to wait up to 20 minutes for the level crossings to open.

Mark Killick, director of engineering for Network Rail, said he recognised the "frustrations" of residents.

"We've got a really busy railway and a really busy road network, and we're working hard to get that balance right to keep everybody safe but to minimise the inconvenience to everybody," Mr Killick added.

Dr Spencer said: "It's a real problem. We absolutely depend on our roads, our railway to get around."

The Office of Road and Rail said it was aware of the issue and it would "be checking that Network Rail is doing everything reasonably practicable to minimise wait times".

A Network Rail spokesperson said meetings had been held with Dr Spencer and with local councillors, and that ways to reduce waiting times were being investigated.

They said: "We're really sorry for any disruption that motorists and pedestrians have experienced with waiting times at five level crossings in the Egham area.

"Following the completion of our £375m upgrade of the signalling system across parts of Surrey, south-west London and Berkshire, we're aware that some motorists and pedestrians have reported longer waiting times and we recognise the impact this is having on people's journeys.

"We need to strike a very delicate balance between keeping the railway safe and reliable for our passengers, while also keeping motorists moving on local roads," they said.

"We're committed to finding ways to do this and we're grateful to everyone for their patience while we find a solution."

Follow BBC South East on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.