A PIONEERING £30m road scheme for the region could be approved by the Government.

The joint initiative by Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland borough councils would see a new road built along the East Middlesbrough Corridor, the route that runs next to the Middlesbrough to Nunthorpe railway line.

In a project thought to be the first of its kind in the country, the road would be restricted to certain vehicles, to ease congestion.

In plans drawn up by the councils it has been suggested Government funding could be applied for in the next five years.

The road, extending from Stainton Way in Middlesbrough to Longlands, could be restricted to buses and high occupancy vehicles, cars with two or more people in them.

Other plans for the area include an all-purpose road between Stainton Way and Swan's Corner , a spur road into South Cleveland Hospital, and a park-and-ride at Swan's Corner.

A consultation would take place before any decisions were made. Discussions about the Middlesbrough to Nunthorpe corridor have been going on for 30 years but no work has ever been carried out.