WAVERLEY council leader Robert Knowles has called for an inquiry into the running of the Hindhead Tunnel after the latest closure again redirected rush-hour A3 traffic through Farnham and Wrecclesham last week.

The tunnel, opened in 2011 at a cost of £371 to the taxpayer, closed the Portsmouth to London road in both directions for hours on the morning of Wednesday, August 12 because of a fault with the signs inside the tunnel.

It proved the last straw for Waverley Borough Council chief Mr Knowles, who said he has “lost count” of the number of times the tunnel has closed since its opening, with traffic forced to use the main diversion route via the A31 Farnham bypass and A325 Wrecclesham Road.

“I will be writing to the Secretary of State for Transport Patrick McLoughlin, asking for a review into how the tunnel is managed,” said Mr Knowles, who estimated there has been around 70 to 80 closures since the tunnel opened.

He continued: “I want to know why the tunnel is closed so frequently and why Highways England is so unprepared; there should be a contingency plan for when things go wrong.

“It is ridiculous that motorists are being held up for hours and hours, time and time again and the situation cannot continue. 

“Back in 2011 we were told that the tunnel will be state-of-the-art – will transform travel and improved journey times. However it is causing disruption to the road network in Surrey and causing frustrations for our residents and travellers through the county.

“Every major project should be reviewed to see if it is delivering against its objectives – it is time for a review.”

In response, the Department for Transport said the operation of the tunnel was a matter for Highways England, which said it would discuss its operation with councils.

A spokesman for Highways England added: ”We apologise to any road users and local residents inconvenienced. We are investigating the reasons behind this thoroughly to reduce the chance of any reoccurrence.

"We will be organising a meeting with local councils to discuss the operation of the tunnel and the impact on local communities.”