Residents, commuters and tourists could find it easier to plot their way around Norwich under new plans being developed by transport bosses.

Norfolk County Council is in the early stages of creating a route planner for the city, which could be available by 2013.

It is hoped this will put Norwich on a par with other major cities, which have dedicated websites informing people what public transport is available to help them travel from A to B. The council hopes to provide a route planner on its own website rather than create a new system from scratch.

As reported in the Evening News, Broadland District Council has produced a 19-point plan on how to make it easier for people to travel around the district.

And this debate also prompted councillors to raise questions about travelling in and around Norwich.

Bill Couzens, Labour Sprowston Central councillor, said: 'When I go to London and go on Transport for London's website, I put where I'm starting from and where I want to go and it tells me how to get there by bus, taxi, underground.

'When you search for getting around Norwich, unless you know the bus routes, I find it very difficult. What I would like to see is a similar website or system to tell you how to get around.'

Stacy Cosham, Broadland District Council overview and scrutiny research officer, said this issue had been raised with the county council, who were negotiating with bus operators.

She said: 'They are looking at getting route mapping and planning onto a more accessible website.

'It's something to watch out for. It's being planned but it's not something Broadland can get involved in at this stage.'

People are able to plan trips around Norwich on internet sites, including Google, but it is expected this idea will offer greater detail.

Norfolk County Council spokesman Martin Barsby said: 'We are very much in the early stages of looking at anything but what we do want to do is have much more enhanced transport information on our website.

'It will not be building a brand new system but it's likely to make use of the Transport Direct model. What that will include is a route planner.'

Broadland, in a joint study with North Norfolk District Council, has also backed other ideas, including a river bus service for the Wensum from the proposed Deal Ground site, Trowse, to Carrow Road.

Do you have a council story? Call reporter Richard Wheeler on 01603 772474 or email richard.wheeler@archant.co.uk