1
Approach the barrier
Authorised users will open the Woolden Road Access service on their phone when they arrive.
A fairer way to protect and maintain the road
Calmer roads. Better access. Shared upkeep.
From Autumn 2026, Woolden Road will introduce a managed vehicle access system designed to reduce unnecessary business traffic, discourage cut-through journeys and create a fairer way to fund essential road repairs.
How it will work
Simple access from your phone
An automatic barrier will control vehicle access across the private section of the route. Approved users will be able to open the barrier securely from a mobile phone, without the need for cash, keys or permanent internet access at the roadside.
2
Tap to open
The system will confirm the user's permission or available prepaid balance before opening the barrier.
3
Continue your journey
Residents will have approved access, while other users can contribute towards the road through pay-per-use access.
Who will have access
Residents first, with fair access for others
The purpose of the system is not to prevent legitimate journeys. It is to stop Woolden Road being treated as a free shortcut by vehicles that do not contribute towards its upkeep.
Approved residents
Residents with an established right of access will be able to use the barrier without a pay-per-use charge. Access will be linked to approved accounts, helping to keep the system secure and straightforward.
Visitors, businesses and other road users
Drivers who choose Woolden Road as a convenient shortcut towards Moss Road will be able to purchase prepaid access. Each crossing will make a small contribution towards maintaining the road they are using.
Woolden Road provides a convenient route towards Moss Road and the businesses located there. Alternative routes remain available, so free vehicle access for non-residents is not required. Those who value the convenience of the shortcut will be asked to help fund its upkeep.
Where the money goes
Every paid crossing helps repair the road.
Revenue generated through pay-per-use access will be allocated towards the repair, maintenance and long-term improvement of Woolden Road.
The old system is no longer fair
Asking each household to pay a fixed contribution places the cost mainly on residents, even though a large proportion of vehicle movements come from outside the area.
Non-resident traffic creates significant wear
Cut-through and business traffic is estimated to be several times higher than the traffic generated by many individual households living on the road.
Usage should help fund upkeep
A pay-per-use model means the people benefiting from the shortcut can contribute directly towards maintaining it.
Coming Autumn 2026
A quieter, safer and better-maintained Woolden Road
More information about registration, resident access, prepaid journeys and the planned launch date will be published here as the system is prepared.