PLANS to cut traffic congestion, increase numbers of parking spaces and encourage 'greener' forms of transport are being considered by council bosses.

The issues have come under the spotlight as Darlington Borough Council draws up proposals to develop transport services over the next five years.

Community groups are now being asked for their opinion on the authority's second local transport plan, which will cover the period from next year to 2011.

Congestion in Darlington has proved a contentious issue, with many key routes into the town centre often grid-locked due to roadworks in recent months.

Suggestions to tackle the problem include improving road junctions, greater targeting of motorists parking illegally and promoting car-sharing schemes.

A large part of the draft plan is dedicated to getting people to consider alternative forms of transport, to improve the town's health as well as reduce congestion.

The council says its research shows that 34 per cent of all trips made by car in Darlington could easily be made by bike.

And if an extra one per cent of trips in Darlington were made by bike, there would be a reduction of nearly a million car trips a year.

The plan looks at extending the town's cycle network and improving safety for cyclists on the road.

The possibility of encouraging more shops to offer delivery services is also considered.

Public transport also comes under scrutiny, with the plan looking at providing better information at bus stops, real-time displays at some locations and priority lanes for buses.

The possibility of introducing ticket initiatives to link bus journeys with entry to leisure facilities is also considered. Bus services linking both the town's railway stations to major employers also feature in the plan.

Once consultation on the proposals has been completed, a full council meeting will be held to vote on whether to approve the plan.

A council spokeswoman said: "The second transport plan will aim to reduce traffic congestion and improve accessibility, road safety and air quality. "