Tackling Farnham's Traffic

Written by Cllr Sue Farrow on Sat 11th Feb 2006

Councillors Gill Ferguson, Sue Farrow and Anne Mansell tackle Farnham traffic

Recognising that town centre traffic can make shopping in Farnham unpleasant and off putting, especially for those using pushchairs or wheelchairs, Liberal Democrat-led Farnham Town Council has taken the lead in doing something about it.

Various schemes have been put forward by Surrey County Council in the past, but they have been piecemeal and have proved very controversial. The Town Council therefore commissioned leading traffic consultants, the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL), to carry out a comprehensive survey of present conditions and come up with some proposals for improving them. The study is called a Sustainable Town Initiative.

The exciting proposals include recognising the town's narrow streets and beautiful buildings, suggesting that the town centre would become a Historic Core Zone, where traffic would have to go more slowly, and pedestrians would have more space and better road crossings.

In addition, the appearance of the town centre would be improved with good quality paving, signs, street furniture, and flower planters, so that it is clear that when you come into Farnham, you are entering a special place. The town centre should be easily accessible for everyone, with convenient car parks in easy walking distance, and traffic should be accommodated but not allowed to dominate.

Farnham Town Council is now working with Waverley and Surrey County Council on implementing the proposals. Farnham's Liberal Democrats have also committed £100,000 from the Town Council towards the costs of getting the project underway. The total cost of the proposals is estimated to be over £800,000.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Sue Farrow, Chair of the Town Council's Environmental Services Committee said, "The key principle for improving Farnham centre must be PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST. Our lovely town should be a place that encourages visitors to spend time walking, shopping sightseeing, sitting, or eating, in a setting which is welcoming, lively and comfortable."

Councillor Farrow added, "Following a year-long study, TRL have given an expert outsider's view of the problems, and have come up with pedestrian-friendly solutions. They recommend setting up a Historic Core Zone in the town centre, to discourage through traffic and large vehicles, improve conditions for pedestrians, and allow Farnham's many attractions to achieve their full potential.

The Liberal Democrats are committed to seeing the plan implemented, though it will obviously take several years."