The Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth Decisions meeting on Tuesday 30 June 2026 discussed two petitions concerning road safety. No decisions were made at this meeting as it was scheduled only.

Manor Road South Petition

A petition from residents of Manor Road South and Greenways, signed by 108 people, called for additional road safety measures, particularly focusing on excessive speeding, unsafe parking, and traffic issues generated by Surbiton High School. The petition requested measures to slow down traffic, control parking around the school, and suggested the introduction of a pavement and a crossing on Oaken Lane.

During the meeting, Ellie Wood, who submitted the petition, highlighted the daily problem of speeding on Manor Road South, describing it as a very problematic blind bend and extremely dangerous. She noted that parents actively avoid their children using the road and expressed frustration at the lack of effective action. Councillor Burton, the divisional member, supported the petition, stating there was a consensus for a 20mph limit, though acknowledging it was a challenge under current council policy. He also called for urgent remedies for other issues, including keep clear signs and chevron signs on the bend.

Duncan Knott, representing the council, sympathised with the situation and outlined interim measures, including a school keep clear marking as part of the annual parking review and the installation of electronic vehicle-activated signs to remind drivers of the speed limit. He stated that a 20mph traffic calming scheme would be beneficial in the longer term but would need to be considered by the new unitary authority from April 2027. He advised the petitioner to lobby their new unitary councillor to prioritise this.

Godstone Road, Caterham Petition

A petition concerning Godstone Road, Caterham, signed by 125 people, called for immediate road safety measures due to the proximity of Banana Moon Caterham Day Nursery and St John's C of E Primary School. The petitioners highlighted that vehicles frequently travel above the 30mph speed limit, and there is no zebra or controlled pedestrian crossing, making it dangerous for children and parents during drop-off and pick-up times.

Osama Ayub, representing the petitioners, expressed disappointment that no further action was planned, particularly regarding pedestrian safety. He questioned when site observations were carried out, suggesting they did not reflect the reality during peak school and nursery times. He stated that parents felt unsafe walking with young children due to the speed and volume of traffic. Councillor Pearce, the divisional member, acknowledged the speeding issue and noted that a Vehicle Activated Sign (VAS) on the road was obscured by overgrown trees and not always visible. He suggested replacing the VAS with one that displays vehicle speeds and registration numbers, or improving the brightness of the current sign.

Duncan Knott explained that the council had recently implemented a lower 50mph speed limit on the A22 Caterham Bypass, which might help moderate speeds on Godstone Road. He stated that further traffic calming measures would depend on speed surveys and collision data, and that any such schemes would need to be considered by the new unitary authority in future financial years. He also stated that it would be very hard to justify the investment in a signalised crossing primarily serving the nursery, as site observations had confirmed very little demand to cross the road by other members of the community. He did, however, confirm that speed surveys would be undertaken and the results shared. He also mentioned that the council does not use VAS signs that display registration numbers, as they believe signs that only illuminate when a driver is exceeding the speed limit are more effective.

The meeting was attended by Councillor Matt Furniss, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth. No decisions were made as the meeting was scheduled only.