I was due to meet Justine Greening, Transport Secretary, to discuss Wokingham Station and our level crossing problems today. The reshuffle got in the way. I am pleased to report that I did have a meeting instead with the new Transport Secretary.
We discussed the timing of the Wokingham Station development, where he seemed sympathetic to the wish for Network Rail to get on with it.
We discussed the traffic congestion created by the three level crossings to the south of Wokingham, and the single railway bridge on the Finchamstead Road which requires larger lorries to use the middle of the road. We also reviewed the safety issues at the Ufton Nervet crossing.
I explained the Council’s idea of a new bridge crossing of the railway line to the east of the town. The Department confirmed that the Station level crossing now has the gates down against traffic for 21 minutes an hour, rising to 30 minutes an hour in rush hour. They saw the problems this causes with backed up traffic.
I will keep you posted on the Department’s response now they have heard from me again about the problems the railway poses to transport in Wokingham, and the safety issues raised by level crossings. I am promised follow up from the meeting.