A MAJOR exercise to consult the public on traffic problems in two North Yorkshire towns is moving ahead.

The aim is to develop an integrated transport policy for Harrogate and Knaresborough by 2006, taking the area through to 2016.

A decision to ditch the Harrogate western relief road in December 2002 sparked the project.

The road would have swept from Buttersyke Bar, where the Leeds and Bradford roads merge at south west Harrogate. It would have cut through part of Crimple Valley and a section of Harlow Carr Botanical Gardens to link with the A59 Harrogate-Skipton road.

Once the western route was not included in North Yorkshire County Council's long- term plans it was decided to organise the transport study for Harrogate and Knaresborough.

Leaflets are being sent out by the county council asking the public to respond to a questionnaire.

The project aims to encourage better pedestrian, cycling and public transport.

It will also look at the potential for an A59 Harrogate northern bypass and examine plans for the Killinghall bypass.

One of its objectives is to reduce the use and reliance on cars, as well as restraining traffic growth.

Information from the survey will be used to develop a transport strategy and the county council promises further public consultation, involving all homes and businesses in the area covered by the study.

Respondents are being asked to say how many cars are available in their household and to highlight what they see as the main transport problems.