In our most recent newsletter (Number 169 – Winter 2021/2022), we reported that The Downs Conservators had asked Surrey County Council to make a Traffic Regulation Order that would close the part of the Old London Road leading to the top (Seven Furlong) car park on Epsom Downs overnight and during racehorse training hours. The reasons for this request were set out in a paper presented to the Downs Conservators meeting in June last year (Request for a Traffic Regulation Order).

The draft Order to effect this change of access was published for consultation on 6 January and can be found on the SCC website here: https://www.surreysays.co.uk/environment-and-infrastructure/old-london-road-epsom-prohibition-of-vehicles-prop/. As yet, there do not appear to be any public notices on the Downs to inform users of the proposed changes, so we are bringing it to members’ attention in case they wish to register their views.

The consultation period runs until 3 February and the Council is inviting objections, expressions of support, or comments on the proposal. These can be provided by way of an online survey or in writing to: TRO Team, Hazel House, Merrow Lane, Guildford, Surrey, GU4 7BQ.

The Committee recognises that members will have a range of views on the proposed access restrictions to part of the Downs, and the Society itself will not therefore be responding to the consultation. However, we encourage interested members to submit their own comments and representations, whether in favour or against the proposal.