Winchester transport planners have expressed doubts over Hampshire County Council's proposals to alter Romsey Road, one of the key routes into the city.

At a movement and access panel meeting on Tuesday with county transport chief, Keith Estlin, city councillors said certain aspects of the scheme were flawed.

John Beveridge even questioned whether the project should go ahead while there was so much else to do.

"Given the fact that it's one of the main routes into Winchester by car and, at the moment that's the only way they can come into Winchester until we have improved park and ride, I'm a bit concerned that we're introducing this too soon."

There was also concern over the possibility of replacing the Chilbolton Avenue and Romsey Road roundabout with traffic lights.

"I think it's going to urbanise a part of Winchester that's semi-rural," said Pamela Peskett, a county councillor representing Winchester.

The proposed closure of Sarum Road also caused concern, as did the plan to put traffic lights at the narrowing of the road near the railway bridge and Clifton Terrace.

The scheme includes altering speed limits, better street lighting, putting in new bus shelters and revamping pedestrian crossings near the Royal Hampshire County Hospital.

Hampshire County Council officers will now revise their plans in time for the next panel meeting in November.