Wolverns Lane

[Bullet51]

I have received a reply from Surrey County Council regarding the rumours of a TRO, copied below :

There was a written question from Capel Parish Council to the Local Committee in March 2020 asking for a TRO on Wolvens Lane Byway 526 and Byway 527 due to misuse by motor vehicles which causes damage to the surface and noise pollution. At the time it was our opinion that the grounds had not been met for a TRO.

The grounds for any TRO is set down in the legislation which then needs to be considered in line with our policy. As you know we have recently carried out significant repairs to the surface and we have temporarily removed the rights of vehicles with 4 or more wheels to use it. This is to allow the surface and associated embankment works to stabilise and consolidate. During this time we have allowed motorbikes to continue to use the byway.

We have again been asked to consider a TRO for both 526 Wolvens Lane and Byway 527 this time on safety grounds. We have informed the local Committee that we will begin a three month consultation period where we will be asking for the public’s comments in support or against a TRO. We will then consider if the grounds for a TRO have been met covering which group of users. This will go in a report to the June Local Committee with a recommendation, if proven, to make a TRO. It is the decision of the Local Committee whether an Order for a TRO can be made. If they recommend that course of action then the Order will be made giving people the opportunity to object to the proposal. Motorbikes will be allowed to continue to use Wolvens Lane until such an order, should it include them, is confirmed.

We do not consider that the criteria for a TRO on Byway 527 has been met. By entering into a 3 month consultation period it allows the public on all sides to put forward their comments. There is plenty of evidence of 4WD misuse and safety issues regarding available widths, visibility etc. At the moment the only vehicles using Wolvens Lane are the motorbikes.

This proposal will be discussed at the Surrey Hills Byways User Group on Monday 15th and the Group will be consulted as too will the Surrey TRF and other user groups. Notices will be put on site, Parish Council, the District Council and residents will also be consulted and it will be made public to as many people as reasonably possible. When we send out the consultation you will be able to forward to your members and others.

I will be attending the Surrey Hills Byway User Group on Monday but doubt that I will learn any more. At the appropriate time, we will need to muster all of our motorcycling contacts and respond in great numbers to the consultation. More details will follow