Dorset residents asked for transport views for new county plan

Bournemouth Transport Ltd, also known as Yellow Buses, went into administration in 2022

New measures to ensure people are able to travel easily around Dorset are being considered.

Residents have been asked for their input after the county faced various traffic and public transport problems in recent years.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council and Dorset Council are running a survey to gather views for a new joint Local Transport Plan.

People can submit their feedback and experiences until 3 March.

In 2018, a £20m roadworks scheme began on the A338 Spur Road after it was approved by Bournemouth Borough Council - now BCP.

It was heavily criticised after motorists reported delays of up to two hours and resulted in an apology from the authority.

One of Bournemouth's biggest bus companies, Yellow Buses, stopped its services after going into administration in 2022. It had run public transport in the town for 120 years.

It blamed the coronavirus pandemic, a drop in the number of people using public transport and fuel price rises.

And the Whitecliff Road and Twemlow Avenue entrance to Poole Park was closed to traffic earlier in January.

Its position near the centre of the town meant it was often busy during rush hour as motorists used it as a cut-through.

Roadworks on the A338 Spur Road were heavily criticised after motorists repeatedly found themselves in long queues

The new plan would help shape the changes needed for a "more efficient network" for years to come, as well as securing any necessary government funding, BCP said.

The authority will look at improving transport in rural areas, reducing congestion and making services more affordable.

As well as the survey, a series of roadshow-style events will also be held at venues across the county throughout January and February.

Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail].