The Byways Working Group meets 3 times a year and is formed of representatives from Surrey CC, Parish Councillors, Forestry Commission, National Trust, Surrey Police, Landowners and users of the Byways – TRF, GLASS and equine organisations. The previous meeting was held last September. Two more meetings will be scheduled for the remainder of 2020.
The focus of the meeting revolved around the damage caused by 4X4’s and bicycles. For the moment at any rate it seems that motorcycles have fallen down the list. Having said that, there continues to be problems with bikes going too fast down Wolverns Lane and large groups on the Devils Punchbowl intimidating walkers and riding off the Byways.
Wolverns Lane
The Forestry Commission have installed cameras (two of which already have been stolen) to catch vehicles going off the Byway. They have photographed a considerable number of vehicles, including a few bikes and have sent the photos to the Police. One vehicle got stuck on their land and they have successfully prosecuted the owner, impounded and subsequently crushed the car. Having spent £30,000 on digging ditches and creating physical barriers, it seems the 4X4’s have moved their focus to a different part of the lane, pulled up the ‘dragons teeth’ and are going off-piste onto Forestry Commission land.
The cyclists are also straying off the Byway and adjacent Bridleways, cutting down trees and building jumps and tracks. This is also happening in a big way around the Devils Punchbowl.
The Forestry Commission asked if funds could be made available to erect advisory signs at each end of the lane, requesting all users to keep to the Byway. Subsequently discussed at a Surrey TRF meeting, it was agreed that we will offer to match funding of the signs up to a maximum of £700.
Surrey CC are waiting to hear if they have been successful in their bid for £130,000 of funding to upgrade the surface of Wolverns Lane. This would form part of proposed new off-road cycle route from Box Hill to Leith Hill. If successful, there are no immediate plans to TRO the lane, provided all users ‘play nicely’. If the surface is abused, Surrey will reconsider. Their budget has been slashed by 75% and they just don’t have the funds to continue repairing lanes.
Upcoming TRO’s
Drove Road. A new TRO is proposed for the entrances to Drove Road on Ranmore Common to prevent access by 4 wheeled vehicles. There are already width restriction barriers to place but these will be replaced. No effect on use by motorcycles.
Stane Street, near Boxhill. This former Roman Road, now an ‘ancient monument’ was TRO’d back in the 70’s. The barriers have been smashed open by 4X4’s and new TRO’s are required to replace them. Bikes have not had the use of this Byway for very many years so no effect on us.
Engagement day
Last year we joined with the Police, GLASS, Forestry Commission and other interested parties to promote engagement between the different users of the Byways. The Police brought their two Honda CRF off-Road patrol bikes. It seems that the event is unlikely to be repeated this year in the same format as the bikes are shared between a number of different regions and Surrey Police have to bid for them. There is currently no one trained to ride the bikes and there is no funding available for training. The Police to advise what format it might take this year, if at all.
Next meeting 1 June 2020
Please be aware of the sensitivities around both Wolverns Lane and the Devils Punchbowl; stay on the Byways, ride in small groups, moderate your speed and smile at all other users -no matter how grumpy they look
