LARGE parts of Liverpool could become permanent no-go zones for motorists under the biggest-ever traffic package unveiled by the council.

Main streets in the business district of the city will be closed to all traffic except the proposed Merseytram. One-way systems and traffic signals are set to be changed to radically alter the flow of vehicles, public transport and pedestrians in all areas of Liverpool.

Work on the £73m scheme will be carried out over the next five years and planners hope everything will be finished by 2008 when Liverpool becomes the European Capital of Culture.

Council officials have revealed the City Centre Movement and Public Realm Strategy, called Liverpool- Moving, Changing, Growing, ready for the public to give their views over the next three weeks.

Liverpool City Council's executive member for regeneration, Coun Peter Millea, said: "The strategy will have a dramatic impact on the look of the city centre and on how people move about whether they are travelling by car, public transport or on foot and on access for disabled people.

"We want as many people and groups as possible to make their views known so they can influence what is happening in their city."

Work has already started on improvements with resurfacing on streets and open spaces and changes to planting, street furniture and lighting. Assistant executive director for regeneration Tom McCabe is a civil engineer and has advised in the design of the package.

He said: "We're not going to just throttle Dale Street and not provide an alternative, that would give us gridlock. We're providing an alternative route on a two-way Tithebarn Street.

"If you look at the streets like Church Street and Whitechapel now, their condition is generally pretty ropey, so with this large amount of money spent in a relatively compact city centre, you will definitely see the benefits." Labour leader Joe Anderson agrees that something needs to be done about the flow of traffic, but is concerned about the disruption.

He said: "It is important we consult with the community before we embark on this and they must be listened to.

"People in the city centre cannot get to their homes and businesses, they cannot park outside and it's like that every day, that's what needs to be changed. I still don't think we've learned from our past mistakes."

Funding for the scheme comes from European Objective 1 money, the North West Development Agency, Cityfocus, Liverpool City Council and some private investment.

Liverpool Vision and Cityfocus chief executive Jim Gill said: "The Movement Strategy will dramatically improve accessibility and movement, deliver a city centre that works for people and create a world-class environment fit for a European Capital of Culture."

WHERE YOU CAN SEE THE PLANS

STAFFED public exhibitions: Central Library, William Brown Street, November 26-December 19 (12 noon to 2pm)

Monument Place, London Road, December 1-2 (12 noon to 7pm)

Pier Head, December 3-6 (12 noon to 7pm)

Lime Street Station Concourse, December 8-13 (12 noon to 7pm)

Atrium, City Exchange, Old Hall Street, December 15 to 19 (12 noon to 5pm).

Exhibitions will also be staged from November 26 to December 19 at Paradise Street Bus Station; Queen Square Travel Centre; Liverpool Vision Office, 1 Old Haymarket.