Ewell Village traffic survey

1. Photo © Sutton and Croydon Guardian Ewell Village traffic measures survey October 2020

2. Introduction During the summer of 2020, there were plans to install a Bus Gate within Ewell Village with funding available for the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. After meeting resistance from local residents, the scheme was dropped. The group of local residents identified a few key principles that underpin the design of a solution: Safety, not only for the large number of children on our streets but also adults, must be a primary concern. It must be a village wide solution, any change to one aspect of traffic flow has consequences for other streets otherwise. The changes should contribute to making the village a destination, not a thoroughfare. The changes should help enhance business prospects in the village. The changes should be beneficial for residents, not make life harder. • Since then, the Ewell Village Residents’ Association and MP for Epsom and Ewell have requested input from constituents into alternative traffic management measures for the area. • • A group of local residents, with concerns over the state of the traffic in the village and the threats to safety that they are observing, published a survey to seek input from those connected with the village. • • The results of this survey are included here, to inform local representatives as to the changes people want and will support. By applying these principles to the solution, we believe we can help Ewell to become a better and safer place for those who live, work and visit our village.

3. Quantitative findings The sample size was 347 respondents to 18 October 2020. The top three most effective traffic management measures respondents selected were: • A 20mph speed limit (80.6% said it would be very or somewhat effective) • One way traffic on the High Street (70.4%) • Restrictions on traffic at certain times of day (60.3%) • Further responses are being received as the survey is still open. The vast majority of respondents (over 90%) wanted to see improvements made to the traffic situation. • The top three concerns respondents had were: • Volume of traffic (91.9% said they were very or somewhat concerned) • School safety for those travelling to/from school (90.8%) • Safety of pedestrians (87.6%) The top three most supported traffic management measures were: • A 20mph speed limit (60.1% net support) • Drive slow signage (47.4%) • One way traffic on the High Street (16.5%) • • Detailed statistics and charts for all options can be found in the Appendix.

4. Qualitative findings There were a wide number of topics that were identified from the respondents’ comments. These are the more significant: Co-Op and lorry deliveries block the road and are a problem. • Businesses on the High Street need support. • A 20mph speed limit has very strong support. • Pedestrianisation between Reigate Road and Cheam Road has support, and could be linked with making the village a destination for visitors. • There is strong support for scrapping the existing parking on the High Street. • There is strong concern that new traffic measures could lead to displacement of traffic down residential roads. One way traffic, primarily through the High Street, has support. • • Pavements are a big concern, they’re not wide enough or non-existent in places and are a safety risk. Access and convenience for residents, their guests and deliveries, needs to be maintained. • • A grace period of free parking in the car parks to enable school drop-offs and quick shop visits has support. Reinstallation of the roundabout outside The Star has support. • • Additional pedestrian / zebra crossings throughout the village are needed for the safety of pedestrians, especially children. Speed bumps are strongly opposed. • • Traffic should should be using the bypass, not the village. • The Kiln Lane Link has support for providing access to West Ewell and removing the traffic passing through the village. • Air pollution is a consequence people want to avoid. •

5. Recommendations and further information The survey has had the effect of inviting feedback from many Ewell residents and those connected with the village. It has provided a wealth and diversity of opinion, with the vast majority seeking improvements on the traffic situation today. Details about the survey, including the raw scores and detailed comments, are available upon request. The survey results and information about the survey can be provided by these local resident group contacts: The proposed recommendations would be to: David Price davidpricemba@gmail.com Define the problem(s) we, the Ewell residents, wish to solve for. Clare Clark clare.harmanclark@gmail.com • Carry out a survey to determine why there is so much traffic in Ewell Village. • Putting proposals out for consultation with residents. • Seeking Local Committee funding to implement a package of measures that provide for a village-wide solution. •

6. Photo © Sutton and Croydon Guardian Appendix

7. “Would you agree that changes are needed to improve the traffic situation in Ewell Village?” 100.0% 90.0% 80.0% More than 9 out of 10 of respondents supported changes to the current traffic situation in Ewell Village. 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Yes No Ewell Village resident responses Number of respondents: 347

8. “In Ewell Village, how concerned are you about the following?” Not concerned Very concerned Somewhat concerned EV residents very / somewhat concerned 100% More than 9 out of 10 are concerned about the volume of traffic and safety for those going to school. 90% 80% 70% 60% More than 8 out of 10 are concerned about pedestrian safety and traffic speeds 50% 40% 30% Over three quarters are concerned about air pollution and cyclist safety. 20% 10% 0% Volume of traffic / traffic congestion School safety (children walking / cycling to school) Safety of pedestrians Traffic speeds Air Safety of cyclists Availability of parking Ewell Village residents are even more concerned with each of those issues. pollution Number of respondents: 347

9. “How effective do you think these [measures] could be in Ewell Village?” Very effective Somewhat effective Ineffective Ewell Village residents 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 20 mph speed limit One way traffic along the High Street Restrictions on traffic at certain times of day Drive slow signage Speed bumps Pedestrianisastion Bus gate The majority of respondents saw speed restrictions, one-way traffic on the High Street, access restrictions, signage, speed bumps and pedestriantisaton as effective traffic calming measures. Ewell Village residents believed the same measures would be more effective than all respondents, with the exception of speed bumps, which was more marginally less favourable. Number of respondents: 347

10. “How keen are you that these [measures] are explored for Ewell Village?” net scores only Net score EV residents net score 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% -20% -40% -60% -80% 20 mph speed limit Drive slow signage One way traffic along the High Street Restrictions on traffic at certain times of day Pedestrianisation Speed bumps Bus gate There was net support for a 20mph speed limit, drive slow signage, one way traffic on the High Street and restrictions on traffic at certain times of day. Ewell Village residents were more in favour of all of those being explored, as well as pedestrianisation. Net score: (In favour % - Against %). Number of respondents: 346

11. “How keen are you that these [measures] are explored for Ewell Village?” full scores In favour Against Net score EV residents in favour EV residents against EV residents net score 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% -20% -40% -60% -80% 20 mph speed limit Drive slow signage One way traffic along the High Street Restrictions on traffic at certain times of day Pedestrianisation Speed bumps Bus gate There was net support for a 20mph speed limit, drive slow signage, one way traffic on the High Street and restrictions on traffic at certain times of day. Ewell Village residents were more in favour of all of those being explored, as well as pedestrianisation. Number of respondents: 346

12. “What is your connection to Ewell?” Statements that apply to the respondent 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% I am a resident in Ewell Village I am a resident in Ewell (but not in the village) I shop in Ewell Village I have children who go to school in Ewell Village I work in Ewell Village I commute or travel through Ewell Village I own a business in Ewell Village The responses to the survey were widespread, with many being resident in Ewell Village or surrounding areas, and a majority shopping here. Number of respondents: 347