Runnymede and Weybridge MP, Dr Ben Spencer, today introduced the Transport (Duty to Cooperate) Bill in Parliament, to highlight the issues of continued serious disruption on our transport networks and deliver on his pledge to keep Runnymede and Weybridge moving.
The Bill calls for a duty on transport authorities and other relevant parties to cooperate more effectively to reduce transport disruption and ensure the smoother operation of our transport networks. It will also include provisions for the publication of assessments detailing expected transport disruptions due to maintenance, construction, and other works, along with reporting requirements to hold agencies accountable for their role in minimizing delays.
Over the past year, residents across Runnymede, Weybridge, Cobham, Downside, Oxshott and Stoke D’Abernon have experienced several major infrastructure projects, including aspects of the M25/A3 works, which have caused chaos on local roads. This has been made worse by a lack of co-ordination with other transport networks and organisations, including a full closure of the M25 coinciding with mainline railway works and utility company roadworks near diversion routes.
Despite the ongoing efforts to improve and maintain infrastructure, and repeated assurances from organisations to communicate in advance of such work, the level of disruption remains far too high for both drivers and passengers. The coordination between various transport agencies is still inconsistent, and this is adding to the frustration felt by commuters across the region.
Dr Ben Spencer MP said:
Despite the ongoing efforts to improve our transport infrastructure, the continued disruption in Runnymede and Weybridge is simply unacceptable, and I’m sure this is a situation being replicated across the country. It is costing our economy millions in terms of lost work hours and goods delayed in transit, and I am calling on the Government to take action.
This is the latest action taken to address local transport disruption, and is introduced alongside work by Surrey County Council, led by Cllr Jonathan Hulley, to mitigate delays on our local road network.
Cllr Jonathan Hulley (Surrey County Council, Deputy Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways):
I warmly welcome the Transport (Duty to Cooperate) Bill proposed by Dr Ben Spencer MP, and its primary purpose requiring transport authorities and organisations like utility companies to legally cooperate to reduction disruption on our roads.
While I recognise the essential nature of utility works for network connectivity and safety, there is currently no legal duty requiring utility companies to cooperate with local authorities to effectively maintain roads, and the smooth flow of traffic.
I am in do doubt that creating a new legal duty requiring utility companies to consult local authorities before they dig up our roads, often under the guise of emergency works, will lead to better coordination, better traffic management, and help drive real improvements to reduce congestion on our road network
Further information on the work underway by Surrey County Council’s Streetworks taskforce, which include representatives from water, energy and telecoms companies, is available here: https://news.surreycc.gov.uk/2025/03/31/surrey-taskforce-calls-on-government-to-help-reduce-disruptive-utility-works/
