A CONTROVERSIAL swipe-card scheme could end the motoring misery of Whiteley residents if Hampshire County Council approves the idea.

A report suggests that Leafy Lane could be re-opened - but with rising bollards controlled by people who live in the Leafy Lane area.

The road, which was closed as more drivers used it as a rat-run, contains some of the most luxurious houses in the development.

Prices range from £90,000 to £250,000. Premiership footballers and high-flying business executives live there.

But some councillors are unhappy with proposals to keep the road - now owned by developers, but shortly to become a public highway - exclusively for Leafy Lane homeowners.

Keith Estlin, county councillor and vice-chairman of the planning and transportation committee, which will discuss the scheme on Monday, said: "It's a non-starter. We can't have little private road systems."

He added that increased traffic calming measures will deter non-Leafy Lane residents from using the road to get in and out of the new town - population circa 5,000.

"I am very hopeful that lowering the speed limit to 20 mph and adding more ramps will be enough."

Whiteley falls between two councils, Winchester and Fareham.

Leader of Fareham Borough Council, Sean Woodward (Con, Sarisbury), said the bollard and card scheme could be problematic - depending on who was given the cards: "If it's only the residents of Leafy Lane I would be very concerned. It's a public highway and we all expect to have access. I would be surprised if Hampshire County Council considers keeping it just for a privileged few."

Kate Hill, spokesperson for Hampshire County Council said: "Our officers have reservations about the scheme.

"The difficulty is that everyone would want it. We are not aware of anything like this in the rest of the country."

Steve Upsher of the AA said: "We do sympathise with people caught in rat-runs. It must be a sizeable problem for them to be looking at such a scheme and they must have exhausted all other avenues.

"It will be interesting to see how it all works out and if there are any problems accessing the roads for visitors or delivery vehicles."

The plans have won widespread support from locals fed-up with traffic tailbacks when they try and get in and out of their own home town.

Winchester Liberal Democrat MP Mark Oaten said: "The problems for local people require some creative solutions.

"Swipe cards are used in other parts of the country and I believe the council and the police should consider them as an option to help in Whiteley."

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