MOTORISTS who use the A31 are being invited to share their experiences of using the major route.

Highways England, who is responsible for the road, are calling for people who use the road or who live near it to let them know the problems that affect them.

Ringwood Town Council have urged residents to respond to the study, which will focus on congestion, disruption, litter, and noise.

It will also focus on dealing with future issues.

A spokesperson for Ringwood Town Council said this was an opportunity for residents to make their views known about where improvements are needed.

It could also shape where the government invests in the road network up to 2025.

Information is being gathered via an online mapping tool, where specific issues can be pinpointed to an exact location or an entire stretch of road.

Cllr Chris Treleaven, chairman of the council’s planning, town and environment committee, said: “I would like to encourage all residents to use the Highways England online mapping tool to identify issues of concern relating to the A31.

"Please also make your views known to the town council so that they can be taken into account in the council’s response to this consultation.

"Issues can be submitted by email to town.council@ringwood.gov.uk or in writing to Ringwood Gateway.”

Discussions have been taking place between Highways England and the town council over work to widen the slip road onto the A31 westbound from the Salisbury Road roundabout.

Town councillors met with agency representatives earlier this year over the plans, which would see the extra lane continue alongside the dual carriageway to merge with the existing multi-lane section before the Ashley Heath roundabout.

The work is anticipated to take place within the next five years, and was one of 100 announced by the Government in late 2014 which will be funded with a total budget of £15 billion.

However, it is not on the list of priorities for Highways England for schemes to be completed by 2020.

To respond to the study, go to highways.gov.uk/route-strategies/ by the deadline of July 1.