THE first steps to reduce the number of accidents on the A286 through Surrey may soon be on their way, following the publication of the first report into making improvements. The first findings and recommendations of a preliminary report into the road are due to be discussed today (Friday) by Surrey County Council's local committee for Waverley. It reveals that plans are in the pipeline for two "quick fixes" along the stretch of road but warns that major works are needed at other sections of the road, including Haslemere's town centre, to reduce the number of accidents. The report to the committee explains that the major A286 route study was carried out to look at the road and its problems "in its entirety to prevent potential migration of accident sites". "It was decided that the B2131 should be studied at the same time as the A286, as measures on one road would affect the other - especially in Haslemere." The Milford-to-Camelsdale road, which continues over the county border through Fernhurst to Chichester, skirts around Witley and passes through Brook and Grayswood and straight into Haslemere town centre. In Haslemere, the road crosses the B2131 by means of "a distorted X junction" and then continues along Shepherds Hill to the county boundary with West Sussex at Camelsdale. The report outlines a number of problems surrounding the road and that Haslemere's town centre poses some difficult problems for pedestrians as well as motorists. "Close to the town centre there are no formal crossings and the footpaths are insufficient for a busy town centre," it said. The report also said that a number of outline proposals have been put together to tackle the problems, which need to be discussed by the Haslemere Task Group before they are made public. However, the report outlines plans for two relatively easy solutions which could be implemented quickly along other parts of the road. The first is to tackle problems at the crossroads of the A286 at the junction with Mousehill Lane and Milford Heath Road in Milford. "There have been a number of accidents in which traffic emerging from Milford Heath into Mousehill Lane has been struck by vehicles overtaking on the A286," the report explained. By closing Mousehill Lane's junction with the A286, the report said that the number of accidents at the crossroads is likely to be reduced and recommends that formal public consultation be carried out over the plans. The report said: "This proposal would have a knock-on effect on the surrounding area, primarily New Road. "It would therefore be advisable to carry out a local consultation before proceeding further." The second "quick fix" is crossroads at Witley Common where the road meets Gasden Lane and Webb Road. The report said that problems are caused by poor sight lines and recommended that the removal of vegetation, new white lining and additional drainage would help to solve the problem. However, councillors will hear that the remainder of the road is more problematic and needs to be considered in more detail over the next few months. "All other locations identified as either having an accident of causing problems for vulnerable road users do not lend themselves to 'quick wins' and will therefore require further detailed work which will be discussed at the Haslemere Task Group."