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21 Apr 08Traffic Study in South East Dorset
A major exercise is being launched to study traffic movement and transport needs in South East Dorset.
Over the next four years, a £2 million study, jointly funded by the Highways Agency 
, Department of Transport and participating councils, will be taking place in South East Dorset and West Hampshire.
The purpose of the study is to build an accurate picture of transport movements in the area and influence future road and transport improvements, plus housing and employment developments, over the next 20 years. Without the study the transport improvements required in South East Dorset, estimated at £400 million, cannot be delivered.
As part of the study an extensive traffic survey programme will take place during the spring and autumn of 2008, involving around 60 roadside interview surveys on many roads within South East Dorset and West Hampshire.
Experienced survey staff will be conducting the study at key locations on the road network. This will involve stopping a sample of drivers and inviting them to answer a short series questions about their journey. Police officers will be in attendance to direct traffic and monitor congestion to avoid excessive queues.
Information gathered from motorists will be used to develop a comprehensive computerised transport model for the Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch conurbation and the surrounding area and will inform decisions on major road and transport improvements.
Rick Clayton, Project Manager for the South East Dorset Transport Study, said: "We apologise for some inevitable delays due to these surveys, but hope drivers will be patient and acknowledge the importance of the work being undertaken. Everything possible will be done to minimise the impact during peak travel times and encourage travellers to allow extra time for important meetings or flights.
"Experienced survey staff and the police will monitor any congestion, and arrangements will be in place to release traffic through the survey site in the event of excessive queuing. However, it is vital to collect as true a picture of transport movements as possible on survey days, and we hope the public will co-operate in gathering the data by providing accurate answers."
Borough of Poole, Bournemouth Borough Council and Dorset County Council are all involved in the project, with Poole taking lead responsibility.
Emergency services, bus companies and other public transport providers have been advised of potential delays.
For further information, please visit the South East Dorset Transport Study website. Alternatively contact Rick Clayton, Project Manager for the South East Dorset Transport Study, by leaving a message on 01202 265260 or email: SEDorset.transport@poole.gov.uk.
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