MAKE public transport cheaper and more accessible - that was the general consensus of a meeting of green campaigners.

Approximately 40 Winchester residents attended the meeting last night organised by Winchester Action on Climate Change and Winchester Friends of the Earth to discuss solutions for reducing congestion in the city centre, and making Winchester a greener city.

WinACC’s Phil Gagg said: “There needs to be a modal shift where possible. Make it easier for people to use public transport, get around efficiently, and try to drum up appetite for change.

“There needs to be less people using private transport, and more using public transport.”

He also suggested investing in computer imagery, similar to the campaigns seen around York, to highlight to the general public what Winchester would look like without any traffic.

Other suggestions from the meeting included more room for cyclists on roads, improved park and ride schemes, removal or alterations of the one-way system, and better bus services running more frequently at a lower cost for passengers.

Chris Gillham, leading activist with Winchester FOE, said he thinks there needs to be a behavioural shift with individuals and organisations, and that “efficiency is needed” to help reduce Winchester’s CO2 emissions, and ultimately congestion.

He added that he thinks local councillors should make decisions on local matters - not cabinet members who represent rural wards and travel in from other areas.

Chris Holloway, director of WinACC, said: “This has been very encouraging. There are lots of things for us to prioritise in our discussions and agendas for the coming year.”