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Moving Around the Borough

Welcome to your regular Thursday evening newsletter, which has changed its name from Traffic and Travel to Moving Around the Borough. This reflects our commitment to supporting all types of travel, including active and sustainable means like walking, cycling or taking public transport.

Regatta crowds set to bring disruption

Expect delays to any journeys in or around Henley next week, as the annual Henley Royal Regatta will be taking place.

More than 300,000 people typically attend the six-day rowing event, which runs from next Tuesday (1 July) until Sunday (6 July).

Traffic through Henley and approaching the town, including on the Remenham side in Wokingham Borough, will be busier than usual.

Trains or buses are a better option where possible, though these will also be busy so make sure to check journey times in advance.

If you're travelling by taxi on the Berkshire side, make sure they're licenced by us to avoid the risk of using an uninsured taxi or being overcharged.

For more about getting to the regatta, please see the official event website.

We're still expecting to close the eastern end of Molly Millars Lane in Wokingham town, as part of the South Wokingham Distributor Road project, from mid or late July. We'll confirm the exact date in the next few days.

Saddling up in the sunshine at Bikeathon

More than 400 people enjoyed perfect cycling weather as they took part in the annual Wokingham Bikeathon last Sunday (22 June).

The community event, run by volunteers since 2008, offered four routes of 15, 26, 36 and 51 miles plus a shorter Kidical Mass route for younger children.

Lots of local clubs took part including Sprockets Cycle Club and Wokingham Cycling Club, and many businesses and community groups gave their support.

Our My Journey Wokingham active travel team were there to give cycling advice and also led several guided adult rides in the run-up to the big day.

Riders were given sustainable finishers' medals and cheered loudly across the line before enjoying well-earned refreshments on the event field at Cantley Park.

Proceeds will benefit The Cowshed, which provides clothing and other essentials to local people in need, whatever their background.

Pedal power can deliver the goods for business

One of the stars of this year's Wokingham Bikeathon was our electric cargo bike, which is part of a fleet that's available for free hire to local businesses.

E-cargo bikes are a cost-effective alternative to using motor vehicles, have a large loading capacity and don't produce any carbon emissions.

It's a lot easier as you don't need to find a parking space and they can help you reach your destination quicker, without waiting in traffic.

If you'd like to give it a go without any upfront costs, get in touch with the team.

Inspired to cycle more this summer? There are lots of useful resources on the My Journey Wokingham website including maps - or check out the events page for more on cycle training for all ages.

Don't let fines drive you parking mad

Nobody likes getting a parking fine, but our enforcement officers are doing a valuable job and have every right to work without verbal or physical abuse.

We're thankful for the vast majority of our residents who are courteous - but across the country, more than 80 per cent of officers are verbally abused at least once a month while 20 per cent are physically abused.

Under new laws introduced in 2022, you'll get a tougher sentence for attacking enforcement officers - or anyone carrying out a public duty or service.

Case studies show that without parking wardens, communities would face chaos as inconsiderate and dangerous parking goes unchecked.

If you believe a Penalty Charge Notice was wrongly issued, you can challenge it on our website and we'll consider your appeal based on your circumstances.

You can also report parking issues to us - but first, please read our earlier newsletter for more about cases where we can and can't take action.

The eastbound carriageway of the M4 is closed overnight for resurfacing, with a diversion via the A4 London Road/Bath Road, between junction 13 (Chieveley) and 12 (Theale) from 9pm to 6am on weekdays until 20 August.

Upcoming roadworks

As part of our annual roads and footways maintenance programme, we'll be working in the following areas this week.

Please click or tap on each street to see how your journey could be affected.

• Earley - Aldbourne Avenue, Barholm Close, Beighton Close, Carshalton Way, Chatteris Way, Cutbush Lane, Elford Close, Kilnsea Drive, Larks Meade, Marefield, Ramsbury Drive, Salcombe Drive, Swanmore Close, Wickham Road, Wield Court, Woodsend Close
• Three Mile Cross - Hartley Court Road
• Winnersh - Baslow Road
• Hare Hatch - Tag Lane

Other major roadworks this week are outlined below. You can check out all current and future planned disruption on our interactive map.

Wokingham

In case you missed it, you've just got one week to comment on our proposals to introduce parking charges at the Aviation Museum car park at Dinton Pastures Country Park near Hurst.

Keeping up to date

• For planned and emergency roadworks, follow us on Facebook
• To find out about roadworks near you, visit our interactive map
• For active and sustainable travel, visit MyJourney Wokingham 
• Visit our major new roads page for plans and updates
• Find out more about resurfacing and repairs including potholes
• 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. 
• Find out more about parking and permits including car park locations and costs, resident permits, park and ride services and appealing a parking fine
• Our transport and travel page includes applying for a senior citizen's or disabled person's bus and train pass, as well as public transport information
• The blue parking badges page has information on applying for, using, replacing and returning your blue badge