MUCH-needed traffic calming is finally set to come to Chiddingfold in the new year. Buffer zones, "interactive" signage and safety measures outside the local school should all be in place by January. The move is designed to put an end to the speeding traffic through the village. There have been a number of fatalities and serious accidents in the area in recent years. The news will signal relief for residents and members of Chiddingfold Road Action Safety Help Group, CRASH, who have long campaigned for measures to reduce speed through the village. CRASH member John Cowburn had recently hit out at what he felt has been a serious delay by Surrey County Council in implementing these measures, despite what he called a "lengthy and expensive" consultation with residents. "There has been minimal work done and nothing to prevent the recurrence of the fatal traffic accidents," said Mr Cowburn in a letter to The Herald. "It was the sequence of three fatalities within six months that galvanised the Chiddingfold community to put pressure on the authorities to act. "Much money was spent on the research and consultation, but there is nothing for the community to see as value for it." But the Surrey County Council principal transport engineer, Tracey Webb, has strongly refuted Mr Cowburn's remarks. She confirmed that an assessment and consultation went ahead last year as planned and that the scheme was on schedule. The £10,000 road assessment of the A283 from Milford to Surrey was funded by Surrey County Council's local committee in Waverley. "The main issue in Chiddingfold is the traffic speed exceeding 30 mph coming in from the South, from West Sussex," said Miss Webb. "The cars are coming in from an unrestricted road where they may be doing speeds of 60 mph and suddenly going into a village. This is why we will be putting in buffer zones which have a 50 mph section and a 40 mph section so it will all be more gradual. Interactive signs warning motorists of their speed will also be in place at the village's main trouble spots near The Winterton Arms Pub, Ramsnest, and in the centre of the village. "The problem of using regular signage is that people get used to them," said Miss Webb "A lot of people using the A283 are commuters using it every day and sooner or later warning signs are just ignored. "The interactive ones are triggered by speed and will alert someone who is driving too fast and the signs should have much more impact. "I've been in touch with the electricity board and was told that these signs can't be connected until after Christmas because of their workload." A safety zone outside St Mary's Primary School is also on the cards to slow down traffic and make it safer for children crossing.
