Living as I do in Egham I have become rather accustomed to spending a large amount of my life sitting in front of level crossings. As a sensible adult I understand the logic behind such a system as it allows one to avoid being hit by a train. However as any resident of Egham will tell you, we spend most of the time staring at a totally clear crossing. Sometimes 5 minutes will elapse and still we will not have been rewarded with a glimpse of a train. Furthermore when the train does finally go past and everyone gladly releases their handbrake, the barriers stay down for what seems like another fortnight.
Imagine my dismay therefore at reading the proposed next phase of Airtrack. Although the planned new train service is impressive and undoubtedly beneficial to the transport network as a whole, to Egham it is a nightmare. The new down times at Egham’s level crossings would be as follows:
Egham Station: Closed for 34 minutes every hour
Pooley Green: Closed for 39 minutes per hour
Thorpe Road: Closed for 33 minutes per hour
As you will no doubt gather from the above timings the disruption this will cause to the daily lives of residents of Egham and the surrounding area is significant. The current level crossing down times are almost intolerable and any increase is totally unacceptable. Therefore I am pleased to say that the residents of Egham have taken it upon themselves to fight the planned developments and demand the construction of either a tunnel or bridge to alleviate the traffic Chaos that would otherwise be caused.
If you would like to add your voice to the cry for action then please visit the link below. There you will find details of how to write to the Secretary of State as well as other ways to make your opposition heard. A great deal of work has already been done but it is crucial that you get involved now in order for there to be a chance of success.
Hopefully together we can secure a fairer deal for Egham and the many people who will be adversely affected by Airtrack.
Please visit http://www.egham-airtrack.co.uk/ to add you support.
Thanks for your post Chris. It would be great if Runnymede BC ensures that residents and businesses are informed about this project.
It’s equally infuriating when Network Rail diverts train services through Egham on weekends adding to the existing congestion.
By: Dan Maulder on August 20, 2009
at 2:51 pm
Good to see that local politicians are standing up to the government on important local issues.
By: Neil on September 2, 2009
at 8:10 am