TRANSPORT and traffic once again dominated discussions as the Dibden Bay public inquiry entered its 66th day.

The inquiry into proposals by Associated British Ports (ABP) to build a huge new container ship terminal on recovered land at Dibden Bay has heard how the increased quantity of traffic caused by the new terminal would have a huge impact on the area's motorists.

While discussions on the issue earlier this week focused on what improvements would have to be made to the A326, the current main road near Dibden, for it to cope with traffic increases, yesterday the inquiry focused on the knock-on effect on smaller roads in the area.

In particular, questions were raised as to whether the proposed up-grading of the A326 envisaged by ABP would be sufficient to handle the forecast traffic increases.

ABP felt confident they would be sufficient, provided the government's aim to reduce peak-hour traffic by 17 per cent before the planned opening date of the terminal in 2011 was reached.

The likelihood of people then leaving the A326 to use smaller trunk roads when the main routes got congested was also brought up by the council's spokesman as another reason not to accept ABP traffic predictions.

ABP's consultant transport expert David Tucker argued that in all probability anyone doing that would be a local resident with local knowledge.

For heavy goods vehicles, which would be the main source of traffic increase caused by the new terminal, it simply was not advantageous for them to leave the bigger roads.

A spokesman for Totton and Eling Town Council also questioned the effect of increased rail traffic through the area.

Particular concern was raised over the length of time crossing gates will be down, with one estimate suggesting they could be down 50 per cent of the time at certain parts of the day.

The Secretary of State for Transport will decide whether the scheme should go ahead.