A YEAR on from the traffic surveys which caused six-mile tailbacks and misery for motorists, the “invaluable data” gathered from 60,000 drivers is going to good use.

Roadside surveys and questionnaires were carried out at 56 sites throughout September and October last year – creating mammoth jams and bringing parts of the conurbation to a halt during peak times.

But drivers’ pain is set to result in long-term gain as the £2m South East Dorset Transport Study enters its second year.

The completed surveys, along with 20,000 questionnaires carried out at work places, car parks and on public transport – and traffic flow monitoring at 70 junctions – have allowed transport planning consultants Atkins to produce a transport model of the South East Dorset Area.

The next stage will be using this sophisticated computer model to assess the impact of future traffic growth as well as housing and employment developments over the next 20 years.

That will then form the basis of an estimated £400 million in funding bids for the new road and public transport schemes needed to keep South East Dorset and West Hampshire moving in the years to come.

Residents can expect to be consulted on the strategy next year, with the aim of plans being adopted in 2011.

Rick Clayton, project manager for the transport study, said: “By getting involved with the transport study consultation, people who live and work in South East Dorset can help shape the transport system of the future, “The data we have already collected is invaluable in building a transport model and we would like to thank the thousands of people who have helped to achieve this by taking part in roadside surveys and various questionnaires.”

The study, funded by the Highways Agency, local councils and government departments, will last four years altogether.