IN these days of super technology and instant information, is it too much to expect that prearranged ‘traffic management’ plans are ready to put into place should the need arise.

Indeed, also plans B or C should be in place if necessary!

The recent six-hour delays on the A31 in the New Forest could have been cut dramatically if a major accident or incident plan had been actioned.

The plan would have been known by police, Highways Agency, local councils and the fire and ambulance services etc, and instigated by the chosen coordinating agency.

It could include temporary removal of sections of central barrier (having already made a section adjustable say every half mile or so).

Large signage stored in local council depots/areas and made available quickly, information passed immediately to local radio stations for car drivers and all the agencies involved to talk and act together quickly.

They could act as they might do in the event of a terrorist incident and then pass on relevant information to the public.

This type of planning should also be put in place to combat severe town centre traffic chaos. Various routes and road management priorities could be changed very quickly to alleviate major hold ups.

Is it too obvious for these agencies to meet and carry out a SWOT analysis – strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats – joining up to discuss all the possible problems that could arise in various given scenarios?

The responsibility for coordinating such ideas should rest with the local councils, ie Hampshire County Council and Southampton City Council.

We expect our council leaders to drive these types of solutions forward.

We don’t expect to get stuck in the council’s one-way traffic of perpetual red lights and excuses!

John Carter, Bitterne, Southampton