WINCHESTER traders are being given the chance to air their views on a controversial traffic order they claim is costing them their livelihoods.

The traffic flow in Parchment Street was reversed last November to stop it being used as a rat-run.

The move has seen the number of cars using the road drop from 3,278 to 508 a day.

That has spelled disaster for traders along the route, who say the move has lost them business from passing motorists.

They also say congestion in the one-way system has got worse. According to council figures, about 2,000 more cars are using the one-way St George's Street and North Walls.

Now council bosses are reviewing the scheme and conducting a consultation to see if the reversal will remain in place.

Councillor Richard Knasel, city council transport chief, said the initial results from the review are as expected. Preliminary studies have also shown that air quality in the city has not changed since the traffic flow was reversed.

City bosses also say the one-way system is coping well with the slight increase in traffic.

Cllr Knasel said: "I have met with retailers and heard their views and look forward to receiving the residents' replies to the questionnaire.

"I am also pleased that the figures show that there have not been any additional problems with air quality so far due to this experiment."

The council is now circulating a questionnaire to residents and businesses in Parchment Street and nearby roads to ask if the flow reversal should be made permanent.

Lawson Bell, of Bell Fine Arts, has been campaigning to have the traffic flow put back and has collected about 700 signatures from residents, traders and customers.

"From a business point of view we have noticed the drop in trade and we have had so many people complaining about traffic," he said.

For a copy of the questionnaire call the council on 01962 848484 or pick up a copy at Bell Fine Art Gallery in Parchment Street.

City bosses will discuss the results of the questionnaire at a meeting in late June.