Skipton could be a guinea pig in assessing how small market and coastal towns in North Yorkshire manage the conflict between pedestrians and cars, buses and lorries.

A series of proposals, which could have a radical impact on the way traffic and pedestrians get around Skipton, is to be debated by Craven Council's policy committee tomorrow.

One far reaching plan is the possibility of using the Leeds-Liverpool canal for a water taxi.

Skipton and Whitby are the only two towns in North Yorkshire where the District Council, County Council, Town Council, the police and organisations representing traders and the civic society are involved in thrashing out a plan for a new traffic management strategy. The aim of the proposal is to make the town safer for pedestrians and improve the quality of life for the local community and visitors. It wants to encourage people to use more environmentally friendly transport, including walking, cycling and public transport.

North Yorkshire County Council's highways officer, Graham Cressey, said a series of draft proposals had been drawn up by a working group.

"It is in the very early stages. It has been endorsed by the County Council and we are waiting for the views of the District Council and Town Council.

"Once we have those back, it's very important that the proposals are sent out for wider consultation, particularly the general public. We may not be able to satisfy everybody, but consultation is a major factor.''

The document calls for improved public transport and suggests the possibility of a location at the outskirts of the town where coaches could park after dropping people off in the centre. And it wants to see improved facilities in the bus station.

It suggests improved timetable links between train and bus services and action to restrict vehicle movements across town.

Parking takes a major role in the document and it calls for a reassessment of parking on the High Street setts, the introduction of a residents' parking scheme and a review of parking spaces for disabled people.

It wants to see improved pedestrian routes and short cycle journeys to school, shops and work.

A spokesman for Craven Council said: "Development of the strategy is at a very early stage and the costs of individual elements of the package have yet to be determined.

"The ideas put forward are for discussion only at this stage. They will undoubtedly be the subject of significant amendment as discussion takes place.''

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