current update, as briefed by Surrey Police

[silvergull]

Forum update as briefed by Surrey Police during the meeting with Surrey Hills Off Road Working Group, Monday 26th Jan 2015: As I am now the Surrey TRF rep, it is down to me to pass this on, but fear that I am an inadequate replacement for Mike Wheaton, who did so much good work for the TRF over many years, a lot of it behind the scenes.

Lane update;
1:
Total Emergency closure for all users, now in place, for Buckland BY 479. due to collapse of the raised embankment, where some 4 x 4 have rolled over into the ditch, and even the police reeovery vehicle itself had to be recovered- This will be reviewedm, and will probably never re-open fully due to the high cost of rebuilding the collapsed embankment- but we will try for a TRO allowing bikes, as there is still one viable track. More on this later as it unfolds.
2:
Hodgen Lane BY 104 Run Leaders take note: Voluntary restraint here called for please: This is right at the north eastern end near Polesden Lacey where the deep water hole here has caused many to divert into the adjacent field. Most of the extensive damage has been caused by quads and 4 x 4’s, but this field is a trial crop field, and the owner paid for test crop results, which have now been totally wiped out- there are bike tracks here too- SCC will look into the defined width of this byway, (and then mark with posts, or a fence,) to ascertain where field ends and lane starts, as yet unknown. However, the penalty for trespass and criminal damage on private land is £20,000. If you do ride this lane, please ‘man up’ and go through the water, if you are not confident, turn back and use there north loop via Chalk Pit lane, the water is said to be 2.5 feet deep, so which ever direction this is approached from, please use the option to the north, i.e. use Chalk Pit Lane to carry on into Hogden Lane. SCC have promised to look at this one soon, and drain / fill the bottom of this with hardcore.
3:
Wolvens Lane BY 526: currently very bad condition in parts, where banks have been eroded by 4 x 4 excursions and with some deep holes created on the main track . Please stay on the track, there is talk of a seasonal TRO being imposed here in the near future if this problem persists. Report to the police on 999 if an action is on progress or 101 to report other damage. But stay on the track please. And please remember to show consideration for all users, and the houses at either end. This lane is high on the target list to close, and it would be disastrous to lose it.
4:
Coldharbour Lane BY 527- this is open but eroding where it collapsed last year from a burst water main- there is also here a strong move to TRO this lane, so care needs to be taken with regard to local residents and minimise antagonism.

Many other lanes are currently suffering from the wet weather, and the abuse from the 4 x 4 sector- please report and photograph any illegal activity, but do not put yourself into danger. There are CCTV cameras active, and the policed are patrolling the lanes in their own 4 x 4 and by motorcycle. Please help them to do their job, and stay legal!

[Stewie]

Thanks for the update, I will make the maps and pass on the information to the ride leaders for this Sundays runs.

[Dave]

Thank you for the detailed info, very helpful.
I know I shouldn't but I did lol a little when I read about the vehicle recoveries on Buckland

[gavinskii]

Brian, great report format. Thanks

[stevent]

Brain, excellent report, thank you. Gutted about Buckland Hill, that is one of the best lanes in the area, hope that it is feasible to reopen at least to bikes.

[steve sharp]

Thanks Brian.

Who were you talking to from Surrey CC on these matters.

Steve

[silvergull]

briefed at the surrey hill off road working group, by the officer for Mole Valley, Mark Trezise. he is also the officer who sometimes patrols on the bike.

[burls]

Sensible hat on - were we really asked to dial 999 (see Wolverns). Seems a bit extreme?

[stevent]

I'd have thought give 101 a try first unless there is something extreme or dangerous happening