Surrey County Council (SCC) has approved to set aside the objections raised during the Experimental Traffic Regulation Order – Pedestrianising the Square. This means that the trial has been made permanent.
SCC received a total of 208 responses to the consultation and explained ‘Each submission was carefully reviewed and analysed. While many respondents expressed support for the pedestrianisation scheme in principle, their objections were based on a range of concerns, including:
- Increased attraction of visitors and cyclists to the area
- Dislike of the original planters
- Opposition to the cycle parking facilities
- Concerns about noise from pub customers and evening gatherings at Hilly’s
- Objection to the double yellow line (DY) scheme
Of the 208 responses, 3 were submitted in relation to a different scheme (20mph speed limit), and 4 respondents misunderstood the proposal, believing it involved the closure of Church Lane or Shere Lane.
116 people stated that they lived in Shere, 88 living outside of Shere and 5 people didn’t provide an address.
At first glance, the consultation results showed 94 responses in support of the scheme and 93 against. However, further analysis revealed that of the 93 objections, 46 respondents expressed support for the pedestrianisation element itself, but objected on other grounds mentioned above. With this analysis I can confirm that:
- Those in favour of the scheme (Pedestrianisation) but objected on other grounds – 139
- Those objecting to the whole scheme including pedestrianisation – 62
- Those misunderstanding the scheme / commented on the wrong scheme – 7′