Speed cameras installed on busy and ‘dangerous’ stretch of Surrey road

Speed cameras have been installed on a "dangerous" and busy stretch of road in Surrey amid years of concerns for safety from local councillors and residents in the area. The A24 cuts directly through the Surrey areas of Epsom[1], Ashtead and Dorking[2] on its route from Clapham in London to Worthing on the Sussex coast. The A-road plays a "vital role" in travel for residents across the region.

Despite this, it has been said that the road "faces several challenges" and requires improvement, according to Surrey County Council[3]. One section of the A24 has just seen a "major step forward in addressing road safety" according to Lib Dem councillors, with a number of new average speed cameras being installed in the area. The Surrey villages of Holmwood and Beare Green, which the A24 runs directly through, now have speed cameras on their stretch of the A-road.

With then-councillor for Beare Green, Michelle Watson saying all the way back in 2018: "Something has to be done", "It's too dangerous now, we have accidents all along (the road)."[4] Works to install these cameras across the stretch of the A24 from Dorking to Beare Green began in July 2025, with Helyn Clack, Surrey County Cllr for the Dorking Rural Villages describing the road upon the announcement as: "A stretch of road with a history of collisions, excessive speeds measured and huge public concern over road safety and vehicle noise." The county councillor continued, praising the plans for speed cameras, saying: "Average Speed Cameras are known to be very effective in increasing compliance with the speed limit and reducing the number and severity of collisions."

Works have since been completed, with additional improvements to the 50mph and camera signage on the stretch of road.

Stephen Cooksey, Lib Dem County Councillor for Dorking South and Holmwoods, who reportedly 'spearheaded' the campaign for additional speed cameras, celebrated the effectiveness of the scheme, since it's completion saying: "Similar cameras on other dangerous roads have proved successful in reducing speeds and accidents. "Residents have already reported improved driver behaviour, and a less stressful environment. So, I'm very happy these are in place."

The wider section of the A24, which runs from Worthing on the coast, up to Horsham and Dorking, also looks in line for safety improvements. With West Sussex County Council and Surrey County Council announcing on September 16 that they are seeking resident's input[5] on what could be done to improve safety on their section of the A-road. According to West Sussex County Council (WSCC) some of the issues the A-road faces include "congestion at major junctions", "unpredictable bus journey times", "limited walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure" and a "high number of collisions in some areas". With Cllr Matt Furniss, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth at Surrey County Council, saying last week: "The A24 linking Dorking and the Mole Valley area with Horsham and West Sussex plays an important role for commuters, businesses and local communities.

"We believe there are opportunities to improve parts of the route to a better standard, and we are keen to understand people's views on the types of improvements we are considering."

While road safety improvements are currently taking place across the A24, the county councils have said they believe this wider project will be delivered over the next few years.

References

1. ^ Epsom (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
2. ^ Dorking (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
3. ^ Surrey County Council (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
4. ^ "Something has to be done", "It's too dangerous now, we have accidents all along (the road)." (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
5. ^ With West Sussex County Council and Surrey County Council announcing on September 16 that they are seeking resident's input (www.getsurrey.co.uk)