THE Portsmouth and South East Hants Chamber of Commerce and Industry is backing plans for a tunnel to be built beneath a Surrey beauty spot to ease traffic congestion on the A3 trunk road to the South Coast.

Consultants who have been investigating the controversial plan believe there would be a clear, economic benefit for the tunnel under Hindhead Commons, but recommend there should be no tolls charged to use it.

Bob Gumbrill, chief executive of Portsmouth and South East Hants Chamber of Commerce, said: "If we are to continue to attract new business into our area, effective transport links to London are vital.

"Hindhead is the last major problem on the A3 and we must take action to address this. While there are obvious environmental consequences in building a tunnel, there are corresponding benefits, and the economic case for proceeding has been proven.''

One of the main trunk roads from the South Coast, the A3 is a vital link to London.

Business leaders believe traffic congestion has been having an adverse effect on the area's economy.

The chamber is calling on ministers to take action and to include the tunnel scheme in the next round of road projects, to bring much-needed relief to business and private users and to facilitate the regeneration of Hindhead.