A MAJOR public consultation exercise has been launched to try to ease congestion in a city centre.

Residents and businesses in Ripon are to be asked to help identify areas where improvements can be made to transport and road safety.

The North Yorkshire County Council consultation will cover modes of travel, including walking, cycling, bus and rail travel, taxis and cars, as well as commercial vehicle issues, car parking, road safety and congestion.

The responses will lead to the production of a transportation strategy for Ripon and the surrounding area.

Councillor John Fort, executive member for business and environmental services, said: "We are particularly interested in finding out how we can improve accessibility for people who don't have access to private transport."

The consultation process will begin with a sample survey of around ten per cent of the population, who will be asked about their specific traffic and transport problems and needs.

This survey will be followed by meetings with local community and business representatives, and then a series of exhibitions in Ripon where people will be able to study the suggested solutions to the problems.

Every household in the district will then receive a questionnaire based on the proposals.

One of the biggest problems in the city in recent years has been the lack of parking.

In March, a public meeting was called to discuss the issue. Ideas for solving the problem included a park and ride scheme, underground parking and more on-street spaces.

A feasibility study has been carried out into the possibility of installing decks in the Marygate car park behind Sainsbury's to provide an extra 200 spaces. The project would cost about £2m, equal to £10,000 per space.

A £15m redevelopment of the west section of the market place is underway. Extra parking has been provided at Ripon Rugby Club, Ripon City Football Club and Bethel Church to replace the 130 parking spaces temporarily lost during the construction of a supermarket and shops.

Councillor Fort urged people to get involved with the new consultation.

He said: "This is a tremendous opportunity for people in Ripon to influence the way traffic and transport issues are tackled.

"I hope as many people as possible will take part."