The Surbiton Neighbourhood Committee met on Tuesday 17 March 2026, approving measures to address parking issues on Verona Drive and making the Ewell Road Cycle Route Experimental Traffic Management Order permanent. The committee also allocated Councillor Ward Funding for a new printing press at Kingston Adult Education and for hanging baskets.

Verona Drive Parking Issues

The committee approved the implementation of measures to address ongoing parking and access issues on Verona Drive. These measures include the formalisation of existing temporary paved verge parking between Nos. 2 and 8 Verona Drive, the removal of temporary partial footway parking between Hook Road and No. 2 Verona Drive, and the introduction of designated passing places with Double Yellow Lines at bends to improve visibility. Authority was delegated to the Director of Highways, Transport and Regulatory Services, in consultation with the Chair of the Committee, the relevant Portfolio Holder, and relevant Ward Members, to consider the outcome of local statutory consultation and any objections to the Traffic Management Order.

The report highlighted that Verona Drive is a narrow cul-de-sac with a high density of users, including residential properties, businesses, and a scout hut. The fundamental issue is the lack of private off-street parking, leading to most vehicles parking on the street, reducing the carriageway width and causing traffic impasses and obstructions for emergency services and refuse collection. A petition submitted in April 2025 had highlighted these concerns, requesting urgent action. The proposed measures aim to create passing places and a clearer driving lane for safer passage of larger vehicles and to improve pedestrian accessibility. The report noted that while the council is committed to finding a solution, current fiscal planning means no dedicated capital funding is available for larger-scale schemes, and funding needs to be secured for delivery. The Greater London Council (General Powers) Act 1974¹ generally prohibits footway parking, but local authorities can allow it through formal exemptions.

Ewell Road Cycle Route - Experimental Traffic Management Order

The committee resolved to make the Experimental Traffic Management Order (ETMO) for the Ewell Road Cycle Route permanent, noting that increased enforcement would be conducted on the loading bay outside Nos. 140-142 Ewell Road to ensure it is used only for its intended purpose. A review of waiting and loading restrictions will also be carried out as part of a borough-wide Retail Parking Study.

The ETMO, which came into force on 24 November 2024, amended parking, loading, and waiting restrictions to improve cycling infrastructure. Objections were received from the Kingston Cycling Campaign (KCC) and six individual respondents concerning the operational hours and layout of the loading bay. These objections primarily related to the loading bay obstructing the cycle path, particularly during peak times, and the allowance of parking outside of designated loading hours. The report acknowledged these concerns, noting that the current loading bay is restricted to goods vehicles only from Monday to Saturday, 8:30 am to 6:30 pm, with no restrictions outside these hours. The committee's decision to make the ETMO permanent, while noting the need for increased enforcement and a future review, aims to balance the needs of cyclists with servicing requirements for local businesses. The report also mentioned that the council was sympathetic to the objections from cyclists who wished for less loading activity at peak times and the removal of night-time parking.

Community Grants Programme

The committee considered and approved two allocations of Councillor Ward Funding (CWF). Firstly, £1,382.82 was allocated to Kingston Adult Education (KAE) for the purchase of a new printing press. This press will be located at the Surbiton Annex at Surbiton Library on Ewell Road and is expected to enable learners to experiment with new techniques and produce higher-quality work. KAE has been serving local residents for over 75 years, offering courses in essential skills, health and wellbeing, vocational training, and employability. The new printing press is anticipated to benefit seventeen art courses, potentially supporting 230 enrolments and generating revenue for the council. It will also enable KAE to develop a specialist print course, potentially attracting further enrolments.

Secondly, the committee allocated the remaining £2,867.78 of Councillor Ward Funding towards the provision of hanging baskets. The locations for these baskets on Ewell Road and Red Lion Road will be delegated to the Neighbourhood Manager in consultation with the Chair of the Committee and Tolworth Ward Councillors, subject to structural suitability checks. The Councillor Ward Funding scheme, established in 2016/17, aims to provide local councillors with funds to support local initiatives within their wards, enhancing the social, economic, or environmental well-being of the community.

Work Programme

The committee reviewed its Work Programme, noting upcoming items including a Community Safety Update, an update on Seething Wells, consideration of an Experimental Traffic Management Order for Tolworth Close, the annual review of the Surbiton Neighbourhood Community Plan, and a report on Ranger Activity undertaken in 2026.