PAULTONS Park has unveiled a £2.5m plan to reduce the traffic congestion caused by visitors waiting to enter the award-winning attraction.
The family-owned theme park at Ower, near Romsey, has drawn up proposals for a roundabout on the A36 following complaints about long queues building up last summer.
The scheme aims to improve traffic flow by creating a faster entry and exit system.
Paultons has been liaising with Hampshire County Council - the local highways authority - and is preparing to submit a planning application to the New Forest National Park Authority.
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The park opened in 1983 and is home to more than 70 rides and attractions.
They include Peppa Pig World, famously praised by Boris Johnson during a speech to members of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) last November.
A proposed new entry road will cross land already owned by Paultons, which plans to plant more than 100 trees to screen the route.
Managing director Richard Mancey said: "We know the current traffic situation is not acceptable for our neighbours and that is why we have been working on a permanent solution to try and significantly reduce impact on local routes, even in our busiest periods.
"We have been working with a leading transport agency to present the most viable solution.
"In addition we have been, and continue to be, in consultation with Hampshire Highways, who are currently reviewing our pre-application document for this scheme."
Paultons is surrounded by country roads which clog up when a large number of visitors are queuing to turn into the 140-acre park.
Mr Mancey said: "A change to the road infrastructure around our site is a required need by local residents and something we have many conversations with local councillors about too.
"We take our responsibilities in the community very seriously. We truly value their input, opinions and support."
Cllr David Harrison, who represents part of the neighbouring New Forest, said: "There have been significant issues with regard to traffic congestion around Paultons Park.
"I am therefore pleased to see the park have drawn up plans which should help avoid these issues in the future."
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