Surbiton residents' long-standing parking and access issues on Verona Drive are set to be addressed following a decision by the Surbiton Neighbourhood Committee.
At a meeting on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, the committee approved a series of measures designed to improve traffic flow and safety on the narrow cul-de-sac. These include the formalisation of existing temporary paved verge parking between numbers 2 and 8 Verona Drive, the removal of temporary partial footway parking between Hook Road and number 2 Verona Drive, and the introduction of designated passing places marked with double yellow lines.
The report presented to the committee highlighted that Verona Drive suffers from a lack of private off-street parking, leading to widespread on-street parking that significantly reduces the carriageway width. This has caused traffic impasses and obstructed emergency services and refuse collection vehicles. Residents have stated that response times for emergency vehicles are demonstrably being compromised, although this claim is currently unsubstantiated. Feedback will be sought from emergency services as part of the local consultation.
The petition submitted in April 2025 had previously brought these concerns to the council's attention, requesting urgent action to resolve the long-standing parking and access issues on Verona Drive,
claiming that the road conditions posed serious safety risks for residents, emergency services, and other road users.
It also requested that no additional developments be approved until a viable parking and access solution is implemented.
The approved measures align with the petition's core concerns by formalising parking and creating passing places.
Councillor Tom Reeve, Chair of the Surbiton Neighbourhood Committee, noted the importance of finding a solution. The proposed measures aim to create passing places and a clearer driving lane for safer passage of larger vehicles and to improve pedestrian accessibility,
the report stated. The fundamental issue stems from the fact that the majority of properties along Verona Drive were constructed without private driveways or off-street parking provision, meaning the road is under intense pressure with virtually all vehicle parking relegated to the street, drastically reducing the effective carriageway width to what is often a single operational lane.
Subject to the Committee's decision, officers anticipate consultation commencing in June/July 2026. The outcome of the consultation and any objections to the Traffic Management Order will be considered by officers under delegated authority, in consultation with the Chair of the Committee, the relevant Portfolio Holder, and Ward Members. Residents will have the opportunity to formally object to the proposed Traffic Management Order during this period.
Regarding the petition's request about new developments, the Local Planning Authority must consider any application received and validated in terms of planning law and relevant planning frameworks. Members of the public will have the opportunity to be consulted on planning applications through due process.
The report notes that current fiscal planning confirms that no dedicated capital funding for a larger scale scheme is presently allocated or available. Funding needs to be secured to enable delivery of any scheme.
Authority has been delegated to the Director of Highways, Transport and Regulatory Services, in consultation with the Chair, the relevant Portfolio Holder, and Ward Members, to consider the outcome of local statutory consultation and any objections before finalising the Traffic Management Order.
