The timetabling of roadworks has been criticised after residents in a number of towns and villages have complained of being ‘cut off’ from the rest of their borough.
Councillors said it felt like a “conspiracy” against people as there seemed to be temporary traffic lights and diversion routes on all roads around the borough of Reigate and Banstead .
The comments came as members of Surrey County Council and Reigate and Banstead Local Committee discussed an update of highways maintenance works at a meeting on Tuesday, June 5.
The programme of maintenance works costing around £168,182 for 2018/19 includes patching and minor repairs, but the committee was told this did clash with emergency works identified and carried out by utility companies.
Cllr Graham Knight, who represents Horley East, said those living south of the borough were feeling like it was a “conspiracy” against them adding: “Horley is being cut off from the rest of the borough.”
He listed roadworks on the A217, A23 and back roads all with temporary traffic lights or diversions.
He added: “Especially at peak hours the A217 and A23 is almost impossible to pass. Has anyone spoken to the utilities to see if there are patches of work that could have been staggered?”
His view was backed up by other members of the committee who said residents in their areas were feeling the effect of lots of works happening at the same time.
Cllr John Stephenson, who covers Chipstead, Hooley and Woodmansterne, said: “Chipstead is also feeling we have been conspired to be cut off. It’s a nightmare.”
(Image: Grant Melton)
He said better diversion routes were needed as some did not always work.
Committee chairman Cllr Jeff Harris, who represents Tadworth , Walton and Kingswood , said: “The real cause of this is communication. The phasing of works is upsetting local people.”
Zena Curry, area highway manager for Surrey County Council, said the clash could sometimes be with the temporary lights and coordination and timing of them.
She said: “I do appreciate it is really frustrating when there are multiple roadworks particularly on major roads.”
(Image: Reigate.UK)
She said SCC had its works planned out but could not predict when a utilities company would call to say they needed to carry out emergency work.
An update was also given on larger schemes being carried out in the borough.
Major road schemes for the borough currently in process include:
- Greater Redhill Sustainable Transport Package – delays mean final project completion is now expected at the end of June.
- A23 Three Arch Road Junction – Officers for SCC and RBBC are reviewing options
- National Cycle Route 21 – A diversion for the existing route is planned to connect Whitebushes area to Salfords Primary School in Copsleigh Avenue via the new railway footbridge at Salfords station.
- Horley Master Plan – Detailed design work for a pedestrian precinct at Princess Precinct are progressing and construction work will begin later this year.