Following Monday’s accident in which an HGV vehicle slid into a ditch on Chalkpit Lane, East Surrey MP, Peter Ainsworth, has begun looking into the feasibility of temporarily halting Oxted Quarry’s operations on safety grounds until a workable solution to the transport issues can be identified and implemented. 

Mr Ainsworth has contacted the Environment Agency, Surrey County Council, Tandridge District Council and Surrey Police, to ask for their comments on the feasibility of this approach.

Speaking on his decision, Mr Ainsworth said:

“Local residents have rightly had long-held concerns over the impact of quarry traffic on the safety of local roads. I cannot allow the safety of my constituents to be left to pure chance.

“Although it is important not to raise false hope, I do think the feasibility of a temporary closure should be looked at seriously. The current arrangements pose significant dangers to health and safety.”