Hampshire has 3 major motorways - M3, A3(M) and M27 - and a road network of some 8600km. Transport
Hampshire has 3 major motorways - M3, A3(M) and M27 - and a road network of some 8600km.
There are:
...and designated Trans European links (road and rail).
The county occupies a strategically important location on the south coast by providing one of the main gateways to mainland Europe via the ports of Southampton and Portsmouth. The influence of these ports is significant for the pressure on the road and rail networks. Transport issues in the north of the county are dominated by the Blackwater Valley sub-region and its association with London and Heathrow.
The county is experiencing the effect of higher than average traffic growth , higher than average car ownership and increasing journey lengths. The spiralling problem of road traffic congestion coupled with inadequacies in the passenger transport system is a threat to economic competitiveness, health and quality of life and underlines the need for a sustainable approach to transport issues.
These pressures have led to the need for innovative, integrated solutions such as the proposed South Hampshire Rapid Transit System in the south of the county, a new partnership approach to bus and rail services, promotion of alternative travel modes such as cycling and walking, action to reduce casualties and new methods of engaging the community in developing transport schemes and policies.