PRESTON'S public transport system could be revolutionised over the next decade.

Hi-tech buses that run on a former railway line could link up a new park and ride at junction 31a of the M6 to the city centre.

The tram-like buses would run in special concrete tracks, and could improve access to Deepdale Retail Park and PNE's ground.

And the scheme, which would cost at least £5million, came a step closer to reality this week after a delegation of councillors and environment officers from the county council's Transport Working Group visited the proposed motorway site.

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said: "We are keen to look at all options for improving transport in Lancashire.

"This is one of the more imaginative ones that could become a reality."

Under the plans, 'guided buses' would run along special narrow routes too small for regular traffic.

The system is a cheaper alternative to trams, and the guided buses run along sunken concrete tracks, kept in line by smaller guide wheels. Once in the tracks, drivers just control acceleration and braking.

The scheme has been praised by road safety campaigners. Margaret Huyton, area organiser for Roadpeace, said: "It's going to take cars off the roads and it's going to make roads safer. More pedestrians would be out, and there would be less fumes on the road.

"Anything that brings down the number of road deaths and injuries in Preston has got to be good."

Guided bus routes are currently used in a handful of cities, including Bradford and Ipswich.

In Preston, the proposed route is along the former Longridge railway line, which runs from the Miley Tunnel near the university, emerging at Deepdale and continuing to Ribbleton Lane. After running parallel with Ribbleton Lane, it branches off to a coalyard near Fletcher Road, finishing up near the motorway. The county council would use the section running from the motorway to the coalyard.

The plans would also see the proposed north-bound slip roads of the motorway junction being completed.

The county council must now finish an evaluation period taking about six to nine months, looking at issues including traffic flow and how the service would link up to the rest of the transport network.

Then, if a bid for government funds is successful, the scheme looks set to be finished by 2011 at the latest.

Carl Speight, city centre manager, said a new park and ride scheme would help Preston cope with the increased numbers of people using the city centre.

He said: "It's a very important scheme. The proposed park and ride scheme close to Junction 31A will add to the significant benefits already being received through the existing park and ride sites.

"These are critically important as we work to bring in ever increasing numbers of workers and visitors into Preston's central area."