Safe Crossings#
Pedestrian crossing safety is a recurring concern across several parts of Farnham.
We’re gathering community feedback, historical context, council perspectives, heritage considerations, and delivery constraints. This information will help us create clear, well-informed surveys for each proposed crossing.
The survey results will be published openly, giving councillors and resident associations robust evidence to support their advocacy. With the transition to a unitary council approaching, there is also an opportunity to demonstrate where existing budgets could be used to deliver safe crossing improvements.
Our goal is to capture a strong, representative view of the community that others can use to strengthen their case.
Our role is to provide the data, not advocate for particular outcomes. We do not replace the important work of resident associations or councillors. We present the findings objectively and make the anonymised survey responses available as open data for everyone to use.
Nothing here has been agreed. These are early ideas under discussion, and the notes below are only a starting point. If you have information or views on any location, please email us — it all helps build the picture.
Every crossing involves considerations across several parties — the public, heritage and conservation interests, the police, and the highway authority among them — so what’s feasible depends on much more than sentiment alone. See Understanding Community Consensus for how we handle the gap between popular and practical.
New to some of the terms? See the Highway & Streets Glossary.
Longbridge — North of the Bridge
In Consideration and Discussion: A raised table crossing, with a Belisha beacon.
Reasoning: Creates a safer link between Gostrey Meadow, the riverside footpath, The Maltings, and the Waggon Yard car park.
Feasibility Check: None identified yet — let us know if you’re aware of any.
West Street — Near The Plough
In Consideration and Discussion: A Belisha beacon crossing.
Reasoning: Improves safety for Potters Gate pupils, parents, and local residents.
Feasibility Check: A raised table may not suit the nearby older properties, so alternatives such as rumble strips or textured surfacing may be needed.
Station Crossing — Farnham Station
In Consideration and Discussion: A pedestrian crossing on the existing raised table, on the pavement following the pub.
Reasoning: Improves pedestrian safety at the station and its approaches.
Feasibility Check: None identified yet — let us know if you’re aware of any.
Castle Street — by Lowndes Passage
In Consideration and Discussion: A crossing acting as passive traffic calming.
Reasoning: Improves safety for residents — particularly parents on the school run — and discourages vehicles accelerating up Castle Hill.
Feasibility Check: A raised table may be unsuitable; alternatives such as granite setts, textured surfacing, or rumble strips could be considered. Likely to mean the loss of one parking space.
Old Park Lane — Castle Hill, by the Bends and Steps
In Consideration and Discussion: A crossing at a high-risk location.
Reasoning: Poor visibility and vehicle speeds create a hazard, with the risk increased by quieter electric vehicles.
Feasibility Check: Would need adequate signage, such as SAMs (Smiley Activated Messages), and possibly traffic calming above and below the bend.
Part of a wider effort: A crossing here also links to our Traffic Calming work on Castle Hill — a good crossing can help slow traffic too. We’re looking at it together with residents, councillors and the local authorities.
Traffic calming ideas are gathered separately under Traffic Calming. To be notified as this develops, join the mailing list.