A MULTIMILLION-POUND project to scrap Redhill's one way system is due to start today, Monday.
The plan, which got the official go ahead earlier this year after receiving £2.8 million in government funding, will see major changes to the town's road layout as well as the installation of new traffic lights in Cromwell Road, St Matthew's Road and Queensway, and improvements to the Lombard and Station Road roundabouts.
Better pedestrian crossings will also be installed in Princess Way outside Redhill Station, and in Station Road and Marketfield Way.
Confirmation of the phase one start date, which will begin with changes to the Lombard roundabout – making the one-way system in that area two-way – came at the Reigate and Banstead local committee of Surrey County Council on Monday, with hopes it could be completed by October next year.
It is hoped the work, and in particular the scrapping of the one-way system, will help alleviate heavy traffic in the town centre, which often comes to a standstill during the evening rush hour. Councillors also hope it will make it easier for shoppers to visit the town.
Redhill councillor Jonathan Essex said: "They've planned it carefully and there's been a long time planning all the different elements. It will add benefits to the town – instead of staggered crossings it will be straight across. It will also extend the cycle lanes all around the town centre. It's good to see it move forward."
But there has been some criticism of the plan, in particular from the town's taxi drivers who have previously spoken of their concern at scrapping the one-way system. They believe it will create more jams and want a bypass created and to use some of the road for more parking.
