MP DEMANDS RETHINK AFTER TRAFFIC CHAOS

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 4th Jun 2004

Sue Doughty MP has asked Surrey County Council, who are responsible for the road works which have brought chaos to the centre of Guildford to reassess the situation.

She said: "It is totally unacceptable that incidents in the centre of Guildford, including a fire and a burst water main have resulted in traffic chaos to the extent which we have seen this week and last week. It would appear that these road works have been designed to have the most impact during busy day times, and that because only day time working has been considered, will continue to bring misery to road users in Guildford for some time to come.

It is particularly worrying that in a crowded part of town any accident will bring traffic to a halt, and may prevent emergency vehicles arriving at the scene as quickly as possible with additional risk to life. "

Sue is also concerned that incidents such as the jams following the fire this week will deter shoppers from visiting Guildford. She said

"I am already getting emails from people outside Guildford who tell me that they are keeping away." she said.

It is feared that should a rail strike take place, Guildford would be unable to cope with the additional traffic, leaving business in the lurch if employees cannot make it to work.