Congestion-easing schemes in Epsom and Leatherhead have been given the green light.

Surrey Future, a group consisting of Surrey’s councils’ and business leaders, has identified 16 major schemes to tackle snarl-ups, to be implemented over four years from 2015, with the aim of making "major infrastructure improvements to help businesses thrive", according to Surrey County Council.

One of the 16 schemes would see the gyratory in Epsom town centre be returned to two-way access, with new pedestrian and cycling links and public transport.

Another would see the development of a "Kiln Lane link" in Epsom - a crossing under the railway, to "remove the barrier for east to west movement".

A scheme in Leatherhead would aim to provide "wider network benefits" and expand its traffic management centre.

A SCC spokesman said 80 per cent of people who responded to a consultation on the schemes said they agreed with the list of projects prioritised for bids for government funding.

Councillor John Furey, SCC’s cabinet member for transport, highways and environment, said: "Good road schemes help businesses run more efficiently and create jobs while improving journeys for commuters.

"That’s why it was essential we heard the views of those who live and work in Surrey to ensure the right projects have been prioritised ahead of preparing bids that will put us ahead of the game when it comes to competing with others for funds.

"Winning more than £2.8m for improvements in Redhill town centre has already proved our approach works and now we’ll finalise our ‘hit list’ to give us the best chance of securing more funding for infrastructure projects that help businesses thrive."