A RADICAL idea to handle traffic in Winchester city centre has been unveiled.

A two-day exhibition on the plan was on show in the Guildhall and attracted some 265 members of the public.

Among the ideas is the revolutionary shared space' concept, which would see the removal of barriers between traffic and pedestrians. Traffic lights, railings, kerbstones and bollards would be taken away to make road-users - in vehicles and on foot - more aware of each other.

Suggested areas are Jewry Place (the intersection of Jewry Street with the High Street, Southgate Street and St George's Street), King Alfred Square (around the statue, City Bridge and the junction of Chesil Street and Magdalen Hill) and St George's Street. The artists' illustration for a boulevard-style Jewry Street gives a rough idea how the concept might work.

If introduced it would be the most radical change since the High Street was pedestrianised more than 30 years ago.

Shared space has been tried elsewhere and has been shown to slow traffic, improve the environment and open areas up for other uses.

One idea is to narrow St George's Street to one lane and so create more space for outdoor eating and drinking. Another is to remove the roundabout by King Alfred's statue. Andy Hickman, head of access and infrastructure at the city council, said: "Shared space is an idea in the melting pot, something we're looking at."

Potential concerns include worsening congestion and dangers to pedestrians.

But Mr Hickman said: "Where it has been introduced casualty rates are down. It depends on the introduction of park and ride at south Winchester reducing traffic levels in the city centre."

Tom Romita, of Winchester News in St George's Street, has long pressed for action to improve the environment there. Mr Romita said: "At last, it would bring Winchester into the 21st century. Hopefully the council will have the courage to make it happen."

The access plan will also look at the future of the one-way system, designed in the 1960s and 70s.

Following the consultation a plan will be drafted and if approved start to be implemented by late 2008.

Click on the icon to download the pland in full...

Winchester Town Access Plan

King Alfred Square Plan

George Street Plan Plan

Jewry Place PlanPlan

King Alfred Square Plan