A HAMPSHIRE city will get a new transport strategy council chiefs say will improve air quality and create cycling links.

The new lead transport strategy for Winchester by Hampshire County Council will improve pedestrian and cycle links between key areas, ease congestion, cut traffic levels, improve air quality and enhance public transport links.

The scheme aims to take into consideration new housing developments in Winchester like Barton Farm. It is hoped links between the new developments and Winchester city centre will be improved.

The other main corridors to the city centre like Southgate Street, St Cross Road, Chesil Street, Andover Road, Stockbridge Road and Romsey Road will also be looked at.

Hampshire County Council’s executive member for environment and transport Cllr Rob Humby said: “With significant housing developments under way in the city and other potential developments in the pipeline, now is the right time to review the progress we have made and set a new direction for Winchester.

“As well as the city centre itself, we will be looking at improving links between new developments and the city centre, and all of the main corridors leading into it.

“Our ambition is to create a transport system fit for an historic city and a thriving economic hub, which will be able to accommodate a future increase in use but also make Winchester a healthier place to live, work and enjoy the local environment.”

Hampshire County Council will take the lead in the study and work with Winchester City Council as planning and parking authority.

Businesses, residents, commuters and transport operators will also help shape the future vision for transport in Winchester.

The study is expected to start in September and culminate in a public consultation next year.

Winchester City Council’s portfolio holder for local economy and parking, James Byrnes, said: “I very much welcome and support the development of a strategy which will set a clear vision for the future of Winchester in response to the key traffic and transport issues facing our city.

“This is particularly timely given the major housing and commercial developments planned in Winchester over the next five years and beyond.

"We will be working closely with our colleagues at the county council on this project to produce a strategy which will identify opportunities to enhance the transport infrastructure.

“The aim is to improve all forms of movement around and through the town, which should help deliver associated benefits in relation to the public realm, congestion, and air quality whilst ensuring of course that we can sustain the long-term economic vitality of Winchester.”