HAMPSHIRE civic chiefs have launched their plan to cut traffic congestion in the Winchester area.

The county council and East Hampshire and Winchester district councils are attempting to ease the stranglehold of cars and lorries, cut pollution and improve road safety.

They have launched the Central Hampshire Area Rural Transport Strategy which looks at improving public transport and ways of marrying development and the environment.

County councilor John West said: "The car is vital in rural areas but if we leave it behind sometimes, it will be better for our health and for the environment.''

The strategy is part of the Hampshire Local Transport Plan. The county council has submitted a bid for £4 million for a programme over the next five years.

It includes:

Transport studies for Alton, Alresford, Bishops Waltham, Wickham, Denmead and Bordon.

Traffic management schemes in Twyford, West Meon and Bishop's Waltham.

Better travel information for bus and rail users.

Improvements at railway stations such as Alton, Bentley and Botley including new car parks, cycle parking, improved access, new bus shelters ad better timetables;

Encouraging more cycling with links from Winchester to Eastleigh and Wickham.

Measures on key routes such as A325, A3 and B2177/B3354 including improvements to bus routes, better facilities for cyclists.

The new strategy is available at the council offices and information centres in Winchester and Basingstoke, Waterlooville and Farnborough.