Congestion charging could be introduced in a city to tackle traffic jams and improve life for pedestrians.

The suggestion was one of the key ideas that came out of a conference held to discuss the future of Canterbury and how to achieve the city council’s vision.

Officials want to improve the retail and cultural experience the district offers and create better jobs as well as improving its environmental credentials.

They have just published a report about the outcomes of the conference and will be starting official public consultation on it this month.

The report said: “To make people feel safer there were suggestions that the causes of crime need to be dealt with and stronger penalties need to be implemented as a deterrent.

“To retain and attract highly-skilled people, higher-spending visitors and higher-value businesses, the district’s offer needs to be unique, or outstanding at least – offering many or all of the benefits to be found in larger urban centres but with an added quality of life and work/life balance.

“The planning for the future of Canterbury district conference was an important milestone in understanding the interventions we can all make to create the right conditions for a more prosperous and sustainable future for Canterbury district and east Kent.”

Other conclusions included better cycle routes and bus services, a more flexible park and ride system and improved school transport.

For more information or a copy of the report, visit www.canterburyfuture.co.uk