RESIDENTS in Kings Road could soon find an easing of traffic problems in the congested road after a decision to introduce experimental traffic calming measures.

It follows appeals made by the Kings Road Residents' Association, an action group set up to fight for much-needed measures to combat speeding traffic and parking problems, as well as future development in the road.

A spokesman for Surrey County Council announced last week that the local transportation service team for Waverley would be erecting temporary chicanes to narrow the road in places.

The measures are expected to be installed next month for a period of between a month and six weeks.

Residents will be consulted at the end of the experiment to discuss the results.

Kevin Hall, who with a fellow resident of the road Steve Musco, have campaigned for an end to the growing congestion and fears for the lives of pedestrians and drivers, said he was pleased that their action was at last "making progress".

Among other measures being carried out will be painted white lines to stop commuters parking across private drives.

In the meantime, Mr Hall has welcomed revised outline plans for 12 flats, following the demolition of the existing garage site in Kings Road and ctricised planners who were concerned about the loss of a commercial site.

"We are very happy with the new plans. I think those who oppose it have a very blinkered view about using the site for light industrial use.

"It isn't needed in Kings Road and residential development is far better," believed Mr Hall.

p Developers have lodged an appeal with government planning inspectors against a decision by Waverley Borough Council to refuse planning permission for two flats, following the conversion of part of the office space on the first-floor of a property in Kings Road.

The appeal has been changed to an informal hearing any anyone wishing to withdraw or modify earlier comments should write direct to the Planning Inspectorate, Room 3/24 Hawk Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6PN by May 29, 2002.