BETTER bus services is the best answer to cracking traffic congestion in Canterbury, says a transport think tank.

The suggestion polled most votes in a study of the problem which is challenging city planners.

The results of the review, which took place at a transport conference last year, have now been turned into a draft action plan by the city council.

Called Unlocking the Gridlock, it is on show at Canterbury Environment Centre with the aim of engaging the public in debate about one of the most vexing issues affecting the district.

It covers new roads, public transport, cycling, walking, safer routes to school, park and ride and village traffic plans.

City council traffic and transportation manager Andy Phillips, who has the task of trying to cut congestion, admitted traffic jams around Canterbury were the bane of many motorists' lives.

Around 160,000 vehicles a day travel in and out of Canterbury but nearly 20 per cent are thought to be just passing through the city on route to another destination.

Traffic in the district is also forecast to grow by more than 25 per cent over the next 10 years.

Mr Phillips said: "Many of people feel they have to use their cars. But we must develop alternatives to encourage them out of their vehicles as well as create better flowing routes."