East Clandon demands action after fatal A246 crash tragedy
A community’s heartbreak: what happened on Epsom Road
The quiet village of East Clandon was shattered on the evening of 21 August when a three-vehicle collision turned tragic on the Epsom Road stretch that runs through the heart of the neighbourhood. The crash claimed two lives at the scene, leaving residents and emergency responders traumatised by what unfolded.
One witness, Paul Nugent, describes the moment he heard what he calls the “sickening sound” of impact from his home. Racing outside, he encountered a scene he describes as “carnage”—an overturned vehicle with two occupants who were clearly beyond help. Nugent’s account underscores the raw horror that unfolded, and the lasting emotional toll on those who witnessed it.
Among those who lost their lives was Max Redding, a respected member of Guildfordians Rugby Club, whose death has rippled through local sporting communities across Surrey. Three people were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, as investigations into the collision continue. The tragedy has crystallised long-standing concerns among East Clandon residents about the safety of this particular stretch of road, transforming years of quiet frustration into urgent community action.
Years of ignored warnings: residents demand accountability
For many living along the Epsom Road corridor near East Clandon—a picturesque village situated between Guildford, Woking, and Dorking—speeding has been a chronic problem that authorities have repeatedly overlooked. Residents speak of filing numerous complaints over years, only to face bureaucratic silence and inaction.
Following the fatal collision, the community convened an emergency meeting to address what they describe as a “problem” that has festered unchecked. The mood at the gathering was unanimous: urgent action is non-negotiable, and residents are no longer willing to accept platitudes or delays.
The community’s demands are specific and evidence-based. They’re calling for increased police patrols during night hours—when the most dangerous driving incidents occur—and for the installation of average speed cameras, technology that has proven effective in other regions. These aren’t radical requests; they’re practical, proven safety measures that other communities have successfully implemented. Sue Algeo, a licensed lay minister at the local parish church, represents the broader sentiment gripping the village: that every family deserves the assurance their loved ones can travel safely. The meeting revealed how deeply this tragedy has affected not just individual households, but the entire social fabric of East Clandon.
What’s next: police action and what residents can do
Surrey Police’s Roadsafe team is intensifying its focus on dangerous driving through the launch of the “It’s Your Move” campaign, specifically targeting younger drivers aged 16 to 24. This demographic, according to police data, represents approximately 20% of all road deaths and serious injuries despite comprising a much smaller proportion of overall drivers. Young male drivers between 17 and 24 are roughly four times more likely to be killed or seriously injured than drivers over 25.
The campaign will leverage social media platforms including Instagram and TikTok to reach younger drivers with education-focused messaging. Acting Sergeant Ed Ferris emphasises that the approach isn’t punitive but educational—addressing the gap in awareness and understanding among young motorists who may not fully grasp the consequences of their driving behaviour.
For East Clandon residents, the path forward involves sustained pressure on local authorities. Community members should continue documenting speeding incidents, reporting them to Surrey Police, and engaging with their local council representatives. Residents can also support victim support charities and advocate for continued investment in road safety infrastructure. The tragedy of Max Redding and his fellow victim must not become forgotten statistics. This moment demands that local officials—from East Horsley to Horsley and across Surrey—recognise that community safety is non-negotiable.
Source: East Clandon community calls for urgent action after A246 crash
