Bikes and buses a priority in new transport plans

Reading could get new cycle lanes under the proposals

Roads are set to be prioritised for buses and cyclists under a new transport plan.

Reading Borough Council said the scheme will dictate how people will travel in the Berkshire town for the next 16 years.

The transport strategy 2040 also includes a continued push for a third bridge over the River Thames.

It is hoped the project will reduce congestion and tackle areas of poor air quality in the town.

The town would get more bus lanes, like the one in Kings Road

Proposals include new bus and cycle lanes and a possible congestion charge for drivers using Reading as a cut-through.

In London Road, traffic lanes could also be reduced from three to two from Cemetery Junction to Donnington Road and further west.

More than 500 people responded to a consultation on the strategy in 2023, with about 68 percent of respondents in favour of the plans.

Following public feedback, the scheme has since been adjusted to recognise that cars will still be an important mode of travel for many people, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

A decision on whether the strategy should move forward will be made at a council meeting on Thursday.