Issue - meetings

This report outlines the issues raised in the petition and seeks to address the concerns.  Mr Andrew Milne, Area Highways Manager will present this report.

The local Committee agreed that the existing signing remains unchanged and that no action is taken to encourage HGV traffic to use alternative routes to the A322 and A324 when travelling to Woking from Junction 3 of the M3.

The Local Committee considered a report responding to a petition received at the previous meeting requesting that HGV traffic is not encouraged to use the A322 through West End and Bisley.

It was noted that the A322 and A324 are strategically important roads within Surrey’s highways network and would be expected to be used by HGVs when crossing the county. Diverting traffic via the M3 and M25 would require traffic to use the A320 (a road of similar character to the A322 and A324) and extensive changes to existing signing.

The route from Junction 3 of the M3 to Woking is approximately 6 miles longer when travelled via the M3, M25 and A320 than it is when travelled via the A322 and A324.

HGV drivers now extensively use navigation technology to determine routes to meet demands on them to maximise efficiency. As a result, highway signs are unlikely to have an impact on driver behaviour.

The local Committee agreed that the existing signing remains unchanged and that no action is taken to encourage HGV traffic to use alternative routes to the A322 and A324 when travelling to Woking from Junction 3 of the M3.