Decision details

The report presented the package of projects which was introduced at the previous Local Committee on 19 September 2017.  It was proposed that the projects are consulted on with the public in January 2018, with the exception of the Sustainable Movement Corridor: West (SMC West) which has already been consulted on in September 2017, in order to enable that project to commence sooner. These works will be primarily funded by the Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership (EM3 LEP) with match funding from Guildford Borough Council, the Environment Agency and other sources.  The results of the public consultation on the SMC West transport project and the recommended elements which are to be included in the LEP bid were also described in the report.

Members thanked the Transport Strategy Project Manager and team for their hard work and everybody that engaged with the (SMC West) consultation.  Members commented that timing is important in order to link all the transport improvements together.  Members also commented that the projects will give people more transport options and they will not need to use their cars especially those going to and from the Surrey Research Park and Guildford Train Station.

The Transport Strategy Project Manager responded that:

The projects will give people more transport options and there will be less reliance on private car use especially those going to the Surrey Research Park, the University of Surrey and the Town Centre.

It was raised whether there was any possibility of a link from the A3 to the Research Park.  The Transport Strategy Project Manager informed Members that Highways England aren’t keen on adding a junction however improvements being made will help to get traffic off A3.  The Chairman informed the committee that as the LEP projects consultation will start on 8 January 2018 and the Transportation Task Group are to view and agree the consultation material, prior to consultation they will deal with this by e-mail.

The Local Committee (Guildford) agreed to:

(i)            Acknowledge the results of the public consultation on the Sustainable Movement Corridor West.

(ii)           Propose that the recommended measures for the Sustainable Movement Corridor: West are taken forward to business case submission.

(iii)          Note that the proposed consultation period for the remaining schemes commences in January 2018 and agree that the Area Highways Manager in consultation with the Transportation Task Group and the Project Manager (Transport Policy) view and agree the consultation material, prior to consultation.

REASONS:

To enable Members to assess the public response on the SMC West project and provide their feedback and approval of the content of the project for a Business case application to the EM3 LEP be submitted.

To enable Members to share the information with constituents during the consultation period.