TRAFFIC calming and a pedestrian crossing for one of the busiest roads in Haslemere have moved a step closer. After years of campaigning for a solution to the ongoing traffic problems in Lower Street, where speeding traffic has blighted the lives of residents and shoppers, Surrey County Council has agreed to undertake an initial survey and feasibility study next month. In a statement this week, a spokesman for Surrey County Council, said that preliminary works have taken place, including speed surveys. It would, continued the spokesman, enable more discussions to take place over a proposed scheme for Lower Street. The decision to go ahead with the study followed a meeting last month of the SCC Haslemere Transportation Task Group, which is made up of SCC transportation officers, Haslemere Surrey county councillor Christine Stevens, Waverley borough councillors, Haslemere town councillors and the police. The Mayor of Haslemere, Brian Howard, said: "It is my view that 30 miles per hour on that stretch of road is too fast. "We have got a narrow road with blind bends, a stone wall up one side of the road and different levels and we don't want to have any more accidents." And he added: "Anyone who doubts whether a 20 mph limit should be introduced should spend 10 minutes standing on the high pavement." Mr Howard said that he believed the 20 mph zone could come in as a first step because of the costs involved in the whole works. He also felt that a way forward could include a partnership approach between Surrey County Council and Haslemere Town Council for funding the scheme. Early estimates suggest that around £60,000 would be needed to pay for the proposals. Vicky Leake has lived in Lower Street for the past four years, and has spearheaded the latest campaign for a pedestrian crossing and lower speeds on the road. The mother of two young children, she also presented a 1,000-signature petition to Surrey County Council last year, calling for safer pedestrian access to the town. Members of Haslemere Town Council planning and highways committee were expected to discuss the latest decision at their meeting last night (Thursday).
