Consultation to keep the Top Car Park on the Downs closed until 12:00 - RESPOND BY 3 FEBRUARY

Back in June 2021 the Epsom & Walton Downs Conservators (run by the Residents Association and the Racing Industry) decided to seek permission from Surrey County Council (SCC) to close the access road to the Top Car Park on the Downs from the late afternoon until midday the following day. This seemed to be a decision made in haste due to the vastly increased numbers of visitors during the various lock-downs.

The required public consultation from the SCC is now open with details here: that includes an online response form. Consultation closes on 3 February.

Making the closure permanent seems unduly draconian and would likely just increase the parking on other verges and around the Rubbing House access road. While it is recognised that the Downs are private land, this decision does seem to be one that places the interests and convenience of the racehorse industy over that of the wider population.

Details of the orginal meeting of the Conservators is at Item 8 of the June 2021 meeting set out here