Major improvements are to be made for supporters to travel to the Rose Bowl for the top matches and pop concerts this summer.

Following the debacle at the ICC Trophy games last September when thousands of fans arrived late for matches following chaotic traffic delays, Hampshire Cricket have announced details of a two-year plan to revolutionise the travel experience.

It includes asking people how and in which direction they intend to travel to matches including the sell-out Twenty20 international between England and Australia on June 13th.

Three extra park and ride locations will be provided to both east and west of the venue, in addition to the existing site at Thornhill. The shuttle service between these and the ground will be substantially improved with more buses being used.

In addition, there'll be a new 'park and walk' site with traffic being directed to it by an alternative route to the congested area around the Hedge End retail complex. Enhanced traffic control measures will be used by the police in a bid to make access from that route more comfortable.

There'll also be enhanced liaison with bus and rail services to the area.

Hampshire Cricket's managing director, Nick Pike, says they've worked hard throughout the winter months to set up the improvements.

"Our aim is to fully integrate the travel planning element into the total package," he told me.

"By next year this will include a full choice of travel options being offered to people buying tickets.

"This coming summer, spectators attending major fixtures will be contacted and assisted in their travel arrangements. "We'll be asking them by what means they intend to travel and by which roads, where appropriate, so that we can anticipate where problems may arise.

"We're well aware of all the frustration caused to people last year by the delays and have made it our major task to ensure that big improvements are introduced.

"We've worked with Hampshire County Council, Eastleigh Borough Council, the Highways Agency, Hampshire Police, bus and rail services and the local community liaison group in an effort to greatly enhance the spectator experience. "It's our intention to provide each and every customer with a great experience throughout their day at The Rose Bowl.

"We want to ensure that no-one sets off for a big match or other event without knowing their route or method of access and, with this information, we can accurately provide traffic planning, parking and shuttle services.

"We don't want anyone's enjoyable day out to be spoiled by tiresome travel delays."