NEW cycle lanes, pedestrian crossing points and a reduction in on-street parking will help reduce congestion in the Boscombe East area of Bournemouth, it is claimed.

A stretch of Christchurch Road between Southbourne Road and Exton Road is the next in line for improvements under the Three Towns Travel programme.

Residents and businesses are being invited to have their say on a range of proposals that aim to improve cycling, walking and bus facilities.

They include new segregated cycle lanes, raised crossing points for pedestrians across side roads, a new signal-controlled crossing point at the junction of Exton Road, upgraded street lighting, enhanced bus stops and the removal of on-street parking between Warnford Road and Exton Road.

Residents in the Warnford and Exton Road areas are being contacted separately to ensure they are aware of the potential loss of parking spaces.

Cllr Michael Filer, cabinet member for transport, said: “Three Towns Travel is about providing people with easier, safer and more attractive travel options whilst reducing congestion on our road network.

“The stretch of Christchurch Road between Southbourne Road and Exton Road serves many local residents and businesses as well as commuters.

“By making improvements now, we will have a good infrastructure in place for the future, enabling people to travel more easily.

“This will mean less congestion, better air quality and few carbon emissions impacting on our environment.”

The proposals and questionnaire are available online at threetownstravel.co.uk and people have until January 3 to have their say. Work is set to start in February.

Funds will help councils

Three Towns Travel is a £12million scheme for Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch which aims to make it easier and safer for people to travel between the three towns.

The money has come from a national £560m fund called the Local Sustainable Transport Fund, which is designed to help councils support the local economy and reduce carbon emissions.

The three councils competed with 12 other local authorities for the funding.

Other Three Towns Travel projects include Horseshoe Common, the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Boscombe Precinct, North Road, Ashley Road, Somerford Road and Barrack Road.