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Traffic and Travel

Wokingham Borough Connect

Plan for quieter streets and safer school runs

We’re planning to help a school improve safety at drop-off and pick-up times by trialling a proven scheme in Wokingham Borough.

We’ll be seeking residents’ views on proposals for a "school street" at Radstock Primary School in Earley, which will encourage more pupils to walk or cycle in regularly.

This involves restricting motor traffic on streets around the school during the morning and afternoon rush hours only.

Restrictions would be enforced by number plate recognition cameras and clearly marked with signs. Some vehicles, like emergency services or residents needing access, would be exempt.

This has been successful in other places around the country and the school supports the idea, so we’re working together to see if it’s feasible. As well as improving safety, it would reduce vehicle emissions in line with our climate goals and improve children’s health.

We’ve drawn up some initial ideas but haven’t made a final decision as this would be subject to consultation, which we’ll announce later in the summer.

Change to bus routes around Finchampstead

With phase two of the California Cross works starting today, there have been some changes to bus diversion routes around Finchampstead.

Reading Buses Leopard 3 Service

The Leopard 3 service will revert back to their usual route from today (Thursday 23 May) and the bus stops outside of the Ratepayers Hall and Cresswells Garage have been reinstated.

For the latest information about bus routes, diversions and changes to bus stop locations throughout the project, please visit Reading Buses website.

Thames Valley Buses

Bus diversions for Thames Valley Buses will remain the same during phase two.

Thames Valley Buses diverted route uses Foxcote and Kiln Ride, with a replacement stop on Windsor Ride.

They will continue to serve as much of their routes in the area as possible. However, some locations will remain temporarily closed for the duration of the project.

For the latest information about  bus routes, diversions and changes to bus stop locations throughout the project, please visit Thames Valley Buses website.

Stagecoach bus service 

Stagecoach, who provide a bus service for local school pupils and college students, will not be serving the bus stop at the Ratepayers Hall throughout phase two and three of this improvement project.

From today (23 May), the bus will be on a diversion and unable to serve Finchampstead Road between California Crossroads and Finchampstead War Memorial and an earlier pick up time will be in place.

Full details can be found on the Stagecoach website and they can be contacted directly on 0345 241 8000 Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm and Saturday to Sunday 9am to 5pm.

SGN works coming to Sonning

SGN major works are due to start on Pound Lane, Sonning on Monday 28 May.

They will be teaming up with utillity companies like Gigaclear during the road closure. This will minimise disruption to residents and make the most of the closure.

Pound Lane will be closed between the A4 Bath Road and Little Glebe from 28 May to 24 July, with the junction of Little Glebe and Pound Lane closed from 17 June to 15 July.

For more information on these works customers can contact SGN directly on their careline on 0800 912 1700 or email customer@sgn.co.uk.

CityFibre coming to Wokingham town centre

CityFibre are due to start begin their works in Wokingham town centre next Tuesday (28 May).

Most works won't need a road closure and can be completed with lane closure or 'give and take' signals.

Works on Glebelands Road and Wiltshire Road will need a full closure for safety standards to be met. These will take place overnight to minimise disruption.

You can see the full list of planned works below, however these are subject to change so please keep an eye open for signs on the roads for the most up-to-date information.

If you have any questions about the works you can contact CityFibre’s 24/7 helpline on 0800 083 6160.

Norreys Avenue - 28 to 30 May, 9.30am to 4pm, no traffic management needed

Osborne Road - 28 to 30 May, 9.30am to 4pm, give and take signals

Wiltshire Road - 28 to 30 May, 9.30am to 4pm, lane closure

Rectory Road - 28 to 30 May, 7pm to 6am, lane closure

Rectory Road - 30 May to 7 June, 9.30am to 3.30pm, lane closure

Wiltshire Road - 28 May to 30 May, 7pm to 6am, road closure

Glebelands Road - 30 May to 3 June, 7pm to 6am, road closure

Station Road- 10 June to 14 June, 9.30am to 3.30pm, lane closure

Wellington Road - 17 June to 24 June, 9.30am to 3.30pm, multi-way lights

Countdown to Wokingham Bikeathon

Wokingham Bikeathon is only a month away, taking place on 23 June.

Four routes will be available this year, 15 miles, 25 miles, 35 miles and new for 2024 51 miles, so you can pick the challenge that suits you best.

The event starts and finishes at Cantley Park in Wokingham and no road closures will be in place so people may want to plan extra time if their journey is on the Bikeathon route.

To find out more, including route maps and to book your place, visit the Wokingham Bikeathon website.

Protecting yourself from van theft

Thames Valley Police have warned that there is an increase in reports of vans being stolen across the Bracknell and Wokingham area.  

They have provided some tips for van owners on how to prevent thefts of, or from, vans:

• Check windows are closed and doors are locked when you leave your vehicle 
• Consider fitting dead locks and security cages 
• Criminals can use devices to block the signal from a key fob, if you have a keyless van consider investing in a signal blocker 
• Consider installing a security alarm, camera or dashcam to the van if it doesn’t already have one 
• Consider installing a tracker on the vehicle 
• If your vehicle has rear-view or back windows, consider darkening them to stop people from seeing inside 
• Never leave valuables on display, even for a short period
• Register and mark your tools and remove them overnight if possible 
• Park against a wall and/or under a streetlight and avoid poorly lit areas 

If you have seen anything suspicious, have any CCTV or dashcam footage of suspects, or have any information about these thefts, please report to Thames Valley Police online or call 101. If a crime is in progress, dial 999. 

Upcoming roadworks

Keeping up to date

• For planned and emergency roadworks, follow our Twitter and Facebook pages 
• To find out about roadworks near you, visit One.network
• For active and sustainable travel, including events, training and resources, visit MyJourney Wokingham 
• Visit our major projects page for plans and updates
• For information on re-surfacing and reactive carriageway repairs visit our pothole and road repairs page 
• You can report any issues with roads and streets online, including street lights, problems with traffic lights, potholes, damaged street furniture, problems with road markings and removal of dead animals
• You can track the progress of any issue you have reported with your reference number
• On our parking and permits page, you can find information including car parks and costs around the borough, resident parking permits, park and ride services and appealing a parking fine
• Our transport and travel page includes information on applying for a senior citizen or disabled person's bus and train pass and local public transport information
• The blue parking badges page has information on applying for, using, replacing and returning your blue badge
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