The public have been urged to have their say on proposals which could see a major shake-up in how traffic uses Norwich city centre.

As previously reported, the �1.45m plan includes stopping general traffic from using St Stephen's Street and allowing buses to get into the city via Chapel Field North.

But the city and county councils are now launching a consultation over the proposed shake-up, which was set out in the Transport for Norwich (NATS) strategy, which was agreed in 2010.

The councils say changes to the way traffic is managed in a number of streets will help make buses more reliable and will help cut carbon emissions in the city centre.

Chapelfield Gardens will also get a new entrance, along with a new lit footpath, to replace the one which currently runs alongside it. That path will have to be removed to allow Chapel Field North to be widened for buses.

Bert Bremner, Norwich City Council's cabinet member for environment and development said: 'The people of Norwich are very proud of their city and one of the ways we make sure it continues to be such a vibrant place to live is by managing growth in a way that is sustainable.

'It is also important that people have a variety of transport choices, including effective bus services, to keep up with the changing needs of the people who live, work and visit here, while making sure none of the city's special character is lost.

'Our council teams of experts need to hear from other experts – local people, residents and businesses. Please let us know your views.'

Graham Plant, cabinet member for planning and transportation at Norfolk County Council, said: 'This is an exciting package of proposals which will improve Norwich for everyone by moving sustainable transport higher up the agenda while at the same time helping the city's economy to grow.

'To help this happen, a number of partners are working together for the good of the city, its residents and those who visit, shop or work here. To get the very best results we need to hear people's views.

'I hope as many people as possible will take time to visit one of the exhibitions or fill in an online survey in the coming weeks and give us their feedback.'

The funding for the scheme is from the Department for Transport Better Bus Area fund, Norfolk County Council, Norwich City Council, Greater Norwich Development Partnership and developers.

A public consultation on the scheme and the traffic regulation orders will run from Monday, November 5 to Monday, December 3.

An exhibition on the scheme will be held at the Forum from Monday to Saturday, November 10 and then in City Hall from Monday, November 12 to Friday, November 30 (except weekends).

More information is available at www.norwich.gov.uk/transportfornorwich

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