Fighting to improve local transport provision

Transport remains a major challenge for residents and businesses across Guildford and its villages, with poor road and rail infrastructure restricting mobility and economic growth. Although Guildford is a thriving hub – home to the University of Surrey, the Research Park and the Royal Surrey County Hospital – this success places heavy pressure on local transport networks. Severe congestion, high car dependency and inadequate public transport capacity risk holding the area back.

National studies, including Network Rail’s Wessex Corridor assessment, recognise the Reading to Gatwick via Guildford route as a high-demand corridor with limited capacity and significant untapped potential. Without targeted investment, congestion and car use will continue to rise.

In Parliament, I raised these issues during a South East transport debate secured by Jess Brown-Fuller MP. I again pressed the Government on the long-delayed Guildford West Station, which would serve key employment and education sites and help reduce congestion while supporting sustainable travel. Stakeholder meetings have reinforced the station’s value, but funding remains the main obstacle, with national investment streams increasingly restrictive.

A holistic approach is needed to shift away from car dependency – reliable buses, integrated ticketing, safe cycling routes, secure bike storage and accessible transport for all. Guildford’s growth potential is clear, but Government support is essential to deliver the infrastructure our communities need.

I also challenged the Government on three points:  

• How growth corridor areas like Guildford will be supported 
• Why is there no link between mandated housing growth and transport funding 
• How areas like Surrey can unlock growth without clear long-term governance or investment plans.  

I will continue fighting for the transport network our constituency deserves.

Watch my Speech