Feedback from Surrey Hills Byways Working Group meeting on 5 October

[Bullet51]

The majority of the meeting was spent discussing Wolverns Lane :

Surrey cc reported that repairs are almost 50% complete but another 3-4 weeks might be necessary. A new Road Closure Order will be issued which will last another 21 days. During this period the lane is officially closed and Police can take action against anyone using the lane.

The repairs will take some time to settle and depending on the weather, Surrey CC may make a TTRO for up to six months (4x4’s, not motorcycles) if the weather is dry, this may not be necessary but if it is wet, they will TTRO. The decision will be taken sometime during the next 21 days. The balance of probability is that a TTRO will be put in place but will not affect motorcycles. It is however likely that a voluntary speed limit will be sought for motorcycles. (Reminder - TRF Code of Conduct = 25mph ) The main issue with motorcycles using the lane is the perception of excessive speed so when we can get back on it, please, please, please take it slowly.

Capel Parish Council are commissioning a report on the longstanding issues with Wolverns Lane to identify potential solutions :
1. Do nothing
2. Repair and maintain the surface of the Byway to remove the puddles, but do nothing else
3. Enforcement action by police in partnership with other agencies to catch and deter illegal use on neighbouring land
4. Reinforce/harden the boundaries of the Byway with obstacles and or earth ditches/banks in order to prevent illegal access to adjoining land and rights of way
5. Prohibit some motor vehicles, or for some activities (such as commercial operators), or in certain circumstances (such as during winter, or one way, via Traffic Regulation or other legal order)
6. Prohibit all motor vehicles (except agricultural / emergency / service) (Traffic Regulation Order or other legal order)
7. Gating or obstruction of Byway at locations along its route in order to make it inaccessible (in conjunction with 5 or 6)

The Parish Council are investigating whether they can action some of these solutions themselves, without the support of Surrey CC. However, Surrey CC are not in favour of Capel Parish Council taking such action and would like to see a solution found within their control. Further discussions will be taking place between Surry CC ,Capel PC and Mole Valley PC. 


The majority of problems with illegal activity and destruction appear to occur at night, after the pubs close when 4x4’s converge on Wolverns Lane. The Police have had only limited success in identifying and prosecuting individuals. They are however proposing to patrol the Lane at night on a random basis. There was much discussion over whether the lane could be gated at night only, but the problem of logistics and costs of opening and closing 2 gates every day make that unlikely. It is further complicated by the fact that Upper Meridan cottage sits about half way along the lane and requires 24/7 access.
The Police no longer have the ability to patrol on Trail bikes, two have apparently been sold, the remaining 2 can only be ridden by Traffic Police. No other officers have appropriate training. They have 2no. 4x4’s, only one of which is designated ‘off-road’.

Concern was expressed over the costs of installing gates and how long they are likely to last. (The steel gate at Ride Lane for example has been folded in half and dragged, with its concrete foundations completely out of the ground) . Surrey cc said there is no ‘silver bullet’, nothing will stop the vandals if they are really determined. Oxyacetylene cutting torches have been used in the past. The gate at Ride Lane was the highest specification the Council use.

Repairs to Pisley Ford – apparently contractors are all ready to start but have been delayed due to lack of response from Environment Agency (the Ford is across the river Mole) so Surrey CC don’t have a starting date as yet.
Next meeting – To be advised

[GDAS]

most informative John, thank you. I must confess I had no idea that 4x4'ing went on at night.

[steve sharp]

Thanks John for the detailed update.

[stevent]

Thank you John!