RADICAL plans to cut congestion on one of Middlesbrough's main roads have been unveiled.

From early next week, there will be two lanes for traffic coming into town and one lane for traffic leaving along the notoriously busy stretch known as the Marton Road Crawl.

The new layout will operate between the junction with Ladgate Lane and the entrance to The James Cook University Hospital.

There will also be a 30mph limit on this stretch of road, and some changes to traffic signs and lines, traffic islands and junctions.

Residents raised the Marton Road problem with Mayor Ray Mallon during a series of town-wide public meetings and he pledged to find a solution.

He said: "The experiment will help us decide whether this new layout can make a significant contribution to cutting congestion on Marton Road. The current situation is not acceptable.

"We are exploring a range of solutions. In the longer term, I believe that an east Middlesbrough bypass will be an essential part of the solution.

"In the meantime, we have to try to find practical, affordable options that will have an immediate effect.

"We will be updating people on how the experiment is going and monitor it carefully. Commuters can help us by providing feedback, and of course by driving safely and considerately."

Councillor Ron Lowes, executive member for transport, said that two "Transporter" bus services would be introduced on the dial-a-ride principle in June .

"Both offer a door-to-door service and are flexible and cost-effective," he said.

"They will serve the hospital and the Riverside Park area where so many people now work, so we hope they'll encourage more people to use public transport and reduce congestion and traffic pollution."

People will shortly be able to register for this new service, or book the bus to The James Cook hospital from anywhere in Middlesbrough. Both will run between 6am to 10pm, Monday to Saturday.