AN assurance has been given that there will be no repeat of last year’s road chaos as a major transport study seeks more information from the public.

Motorists’ tempers boiled over in September as a day-long traffic census caused a six-mile tailback on the Spur Road.

The SE Dorset Transport Study carried out 56 spring and autumn roadside surveys on key routes.

Rick Clayton, project manager, said that the data collected was “good quality”.

Just over 60,000 people completed questionnaires on their travel patterns from 330,000 who drove through the census points, along with passengers at bus stops, train stations and car parks.

This has been analysed and used to provide a computer model of the transport system, which will estimate how travel patterns will change in future.

Over the next 20 years the conurbation could grow by around 48,000 additional homes and 45,000 jobs, with a 15 per cent increase in population.

The £2m transport study is needed to bid for an estimated £400m funding for improve-ments to the road system.

“It must be developed sensitively to protect and enhance the special quality of the environment,” said Mr Clayton.

Now residents, visitors and those working in the Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch conurbation will have the chance to give their views on getting around.

“We are keen to hear from anyone travelling in the area, whether it’s on foot or by cycle, bus, train or car, to understand what they see as the major difficulties in getting around,” said Rob Thompson, project leader of consultants Atkins, who are carrying out the study.

From Monday, June 8, 5,000 leaflets will be available in libraries, council and tourism offices and views can also be given on sedorsetmms.com.