A PILOT scheme aimed at cutting congestion, pollution and journey times in a busy city suburb will come into force later this week.

Durham County Council highways chiefs have drawn up plans aimed at improving peak time traffic flow through the Aykley Heads and Framwellgate Moor area of Durham City; and the pilot will begin on Friday, June 24.

The southbound bus lane on High Carr Lane will be shortened, in order to cut rush hour journey times through the area and improve the efficiency of the busy Aykley Heads roundabout.

Motorists will also be allowed to use an unclassified road between the A691 Sniperley park-and-ride and A167 Sniperley roundabout.

The changes will require the introduction of an experimental traffic regulation order and the removal of a prohibition of entry respectively.

The scheme has the backing of major bus operators Arriva and Go North East, which will monitor its impact on journey times during the trial period.

An end date for the trial has not been announced.

Council bosses have been considering how to relieve congestion in the area for some time.

The area has long been earmarked for an extension of Durham’s controlled parking zone (CPZ), under which residents need permits to park on streets.

The proposals won widespread backing in a residents’ ballot held last December.

Further ahead, the council is consulting on plans which could see: Aykley Heads transformed into a cutting-edge business hub capable of hosting the national headquarters of major firms; two new bypasses built for Durham: to the North and West; and thousands of new homes built around the city.

Councillor Neil Foster, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and economic development, said: "We are always searching for the best ways to make full use of the road network and reduce delays wherever possible.

"Minor amendments such as those proposed can contribute to reduced congestion. We will monitor the changes and adjust them if required. If, as expected, congestion is reduced, then the changes will be made permanent."

Further information is available on Durham County Council’s website, at durham.gov.uk