THE redirection of a key road in Ringwood has been redirected back to its original system in a bid to ease congestion caused by the A31 works.

Ringwood Town Council has announced a reversal of direction flow for Meeting House Lane – which connects scores of traffic from the A31 to the High Street.

A spokesperson said: “Following observations of traffic movements over the last few months, and prior to the closure of the A31 on-slip in January, Hampshire County Council has agreed to reverse the one-way system in Meeting House Lane between the Furlong and the Market Place.

“The works are planned for mid-December, subject to weather and availability of resources.

“Once the new signs are in place, vehicles using the Furlong car parks will be able to exit onto Market Place. This is a temporary measure to try to further minimise traffic congestion on Mansfield Road.

“It is envisaged that this one-way system will remain in place for the duration of the on-slip closure, but it will be subject to constant review.”

This will see the one-way road just off Meeting House Lane and the High Street, behind Framptons and Paper Mountain, revert to its original traffic flow of allowing traffic to come into the market place southbound.

Deputy mayor Cllr Philip Day welcomed the decision. He said: “The earlier closure of West Street imposed by National Highways meant there was concern that people who had gone to the market place would have difficulty getting out. For that reason, the one-way road leading to Meeting House Lane was reversed.

“I and a few others weren’t happy with this as we pointed out it would mean anyone wanting to get to the market place would have to travel up to Southampton Road via the Mansfield Road roundabout which would add to the congestion and frustration around there.

“Because of this and because it’s likely to get worse with the upcoming slip road closures, we were able to persuade Hampshire County Council to look at this again.

“This shouldn’t have an adverse effect and will hopefully relieve congestion. We want to encourage people to use the market place and this ought to make that easier. It’s something I very much welcome and though it’s billed as temporary and under review, I would hope it becomes permanent.”

Cllr Day added works would be carried out overnight on Monday, December 13 to replace signage and road markings.