BUS lanes could be introduced along a busy Darlington road to aid traffic congestion.

If the plan goes ahead, operators are optimistic new buses will run along the route.

On Monday, members of Darlington Transport Forum were asked for suggestions on how to improve road safety and transport facilities along Yarm Road. Overall, it was agreed priority bus lanes held the key.

The scheme forms part of the Corridor of Certainty initiative to improve Darlington's main urban radial routes.

Yarm Road was chosen because the busy town centre route was often congested and dangerous to use. Cars park on both sides of the road, lorries park on double yellow lines to deliver to shops while buses, cars and cyclists jostle for position as the road narrows towards Parkgate.

An initial feasibility study for an improvement scheme is being looked into by traffic experts and will include the area from the Morton Park roundabout to the inner ring road at Parkgate.

Richard Cranmer, divisional traffic manager for the Stagecoach bus company, agreed that bus lanes were needed.

He told members: "Yarm Road is one of our busiest routes and the better the bus priority the more chance I have to make a case for new buses to run on it."

But Coun Jim Ruck warned improvements would be made at the expense of other road users. He said: "If we make cycle lanes then pedestrians will lose footpath space or motorists some of the road. If we make bus lanes, the road will be narrowed for drivers.

"I suggest we look into off-street parking and stop large lorries from using Yarm Road."

Forum chairman Coun Nick Wallis, added: "These decisions are about measuring up priorities. Motorists have had the run of things for the last 20 to 30 years. It is up to us to think about others now.

"Unfortunately Yarm Road is very narrow and there is not a lot to work with."

The consultation period ends this week when all comments will be fed back to experts and could end up being part of the final design