TRAFFIC congestion on Hampshire roads is costing the local economy £150 million a year in lost working time and productivity, it is claimed.

business leaders, gathering at a major conference in Winchester, also warned that the figure could soar even higher unless action is taken to put the brakes on traffic growth.

The warning comes within weeks of Southampton being cited as the most congested city outside London and the M27 named as one of the top 20 traffic hotspots in the country.

It is anticipated that almost half the county's motorway and trunk road network could become even more congested within the next 15 years, if traffic levels continue to rise at their present rate.

The problem is becoming so severe that Transport Secretary John Prescott has pledged a multi-million pound investment plan for the South's highway network to prevent the region grinding to a halt over the next decade.

Southern region spokesman for the Automobile Assocation Rebecca Rees said she was not surprised local businesses were losing vast amounts of money as a result of congestion.

"There are now 2.5 million registered cars in Hampshire and we just don't have adequate road space to cope with them," she stressed. "We do need new by-passes and better public transport.

"Hampshire motorists pay out £2.5bn a year in taxation, but they are not getting any returns from the government. We need a commitment from government to provide better public transport to ease the congestion."

The conference, organised by the county council, was the first in a series of events to bring the public and private sector together to thrash out issues affecting business development.

Delegates included transport officers, lawyers, developers, planning experts and local politicians.

The chairman of the county's economic prosperity sub-committee, Michael Woodhall, said it was crucial for everyone to work together in finding solutions to congestion if Hampshire is to maintain a strong local economy in the future.

"The first priority is to make sure we have enough employment land and enough housing to meet the needs of local people.

"Major companies also need to have a change of attitude to transport and we are trying to persuade new businesses coming into Hampshire to introduce their own transport plans.

"Car-sharing schemes are very important to help reduce congestion and many companies are now looking at running their own minibus services to take staff to and from the workplace," he added.

Leader of the council Ken Thornber, pictured, said: "By bringing together the public and private sector it's an opport-unity to gain a better understanding, and strengthens our commitment to finding solutions to our reg-ion's transport needs to maintain a strong local economy."

Over recent months the council has worked closely with the business community to produce its first five-year local transport plan.

This has led to a partnership-based approach, including greater co-operation between the council and freight and passenger operators, quality partnership schemes with bus and rail operators and the preparation of green travel plans.

Highway bosses believe multi-million pound plans for a new rapid transit network between Fareham, Gosport and Portsmouth will play a major role in providing an efficient alternative travel mode in the future, as well as helping to boost the local economy.

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