A CAMPAIGN to make cars a thing of the past in Blackburn town centre is to be launched by highways chiefs.

Town hall bosses are to step up the campaign to drive cars away from the town centre when Blackburn with Darwen Council breaks away from County Council control.

A highways and transportation strategy drawn up by Blackburn with Darwen Council puts the environment and public transport top of the agenda. A White Paper detailing the new council's policy reads: "It will be essential to restrict the growth of car-borne journeys in favour of other modes such as as public transport, cycling and walking in order to minimise the effects on our environment.

"Initiatives will be implemented to allow priority on the highway for these other transport modes and efforts will be made to convert travelling habits."

Council chiefs are also planning to strengthen links with public transport companies and the taxi trade in the borough.

There are also moves to ask businesses and community groups for their views on highways and transport policies.

And in a bid to increase safety on the roads, new traffic-calming measures will be introduced in Blackburn and Darwen.

But because of the shortage of Government funds, detailed surveys and research of accident records will be carried out to make sure the money is spent where it is most needed.

Blackburn with Darwen Council will also take on new planning responsibilities following reorganisation.

The planning, highways and transportation White Paper was discussed at a policy and resources meeting last night.

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