THE launch of the new SuperSeaCat service between Heysham and Belfast will put even more pressure on the district's busy roads, claims Lancaster MP, Hilton Dawson.

The new ferry service will carry 90 more vehicles and 200 more people than the previous service.

Mr Dawson said: "The new service is great news and will play its part in the economic regeneration of the area. I hope it will bring many more people into the district where we've so much to offer and so much potential for developing tourism.

But we can't ignore the implications for traffic and transport in the local area. We already have overcrowded roads and there is no doubt that this is the community issue of most concern to local people. This means that it is more important than ever that Lancashire County Council votes to give the Lancaster district our Western Bypass. We must use that opportunity to develop a fully integrated, clean and speedy local public transport system which people will get out of their cars to use.

Economic regeneration in this area will only be sustainable if we can do this. We have to develop the infrastructure to secure inward investment, and that must go hand in hand with improving the environment for local communities which suffer from pollution, delays and inappropriate traffic on the roads of the city."

The new SuperSeaCat was launched this week at Heysham. General Manager at Heysham Port, Graham MacLean, said: "Heysham is now an extremely busy 24 hour port. With two round trips per day to Belfast this increases ferry sailings from heysham to 13 per day at peak times."

Sea Container's Managing Director, Hamish Ross, added: "After a highly promising start the need for extra capacity became obvious The SuperSeaCat service is unique in that it offers the fastest direct route from England to Northern Ireland. We are confident that good teamwork between us as operators, business and tourism interests will maximise the value of the service and bring increased benefits."