AN INCREASE in HGV traffic through Farnham town centre has been deemed “totally unacceptable” by South West Surrey MP Jeremy Hunt.

It comes after a HGV collided with the flower stall on the corner of Castle Street on Wednesday last week, blocking the road to traffic for more than 30 minutes.

The incident comes despite efforts by councils to curb HGVs from coming into the town, including the recent introduction of new signs on the A31, directing HGVs away from the town centre.

Mr Hunt said examples like the lorry getting stuck are “infuriating and potentially dangerous for shoppers and pedestrians”, and undermined the social distancing measures introduced throughout the town for pedestrians.

But Farnham South county councillor Wyatt Ramsdale – who serves as a member of the Farnham Project Board steering change in the town centre – said he would continue to press for action on the ‘quick wins’, including the removal of A road status throughout the town centre, and the introduction of a 20mph speed limit.

Calls for speed restrictions were backed by long-time Castle Street resident Barry Hartop, who said action was “urgently needed” – citing the street’s “national fame as a magical Georgian street”.

Calls for action on HGVs have echoed throughout the town for the last 12 months to little avail, but Farnham Town Council leader John Neale confirmed Surrey County Council was “actively planning further measures to reduce these problems”.

He recognised the “complex technical, regulatory and legal considerations”, but added the town council is “expecting some announcements in the near future”.

A Surrey County Council spokesman said: “As part of the Farnham Infrastructure Programme, we’re actively looking into ways to prevent HGVs from unnecessarily diverting through the town. The results of a new study on HGV movements in Farnham is due to be presented to the Farnham Board next month.

“We’re currently asking for feedback on a new vision for Farnham, where we’re proposing to re-route HGVs, reduce speed limits and reclassify roads around the town as part of the short and medium term improvements project. Views can be shared at bit.ly/farnhamvision until Sunday, November 8.”