CYCLE and no-car lanes could be installed on a busy city road to ease congestion.

The measures are being considered to tackle a 50 per cent increase in traffic using the A1018 Newcastle Road, in Sunderland.

No-car lanes - similar to bus lanes but also open to lorries and taxis - could be created at the approach to junctions.

The cycle lane would run most of the length of the road, from the Wheatsheaf gyratory to the boundary with South Tyneside.

Other proposals Sunderland City Council is looking at are parking bays, waiting restrictions and more crossing points for pedestrians.

Steve Wilson, principal engineer for traffic, parking and road safety, said pedestrians found the road "intimidating and unsafe".

He said buses were often delayed because they had to wait to re-enter the traffic lanes after picking up passengers.

He said: "The installation of parking bays and the imposition of waiting restrictions in the vicinity of bus stops will reduce this delay, improving journey times and service reliability."

The council is asking people for their views on the proposals.

An exhibition of the plans will be held from Monday until May 12 in Monkwearmouth Library, Newcastle Road Baths and Monkwearmouth Hospital.

Council officers will be at Monkwearmouth Library on Friday, May 9 and Monday, May 12, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, to answer questions.

People have until May 30 to complete and return a questionnaire.

People can also put their questions to James Lowe, of consultants Arup, on 0191-261 6080.