ROUNDABOUTS in Weymouth could be scrapped in a proposed overhaul of the town's traffic system for the Olympics.

Bold plans to transform the Weymouth to Portland route suggest traffic lights should replace the Kings, Westham, Harbour, Boot Hill and Foord's Corner roundabouts.

The Draft Olympic Plan - said to complement the relief road - includes a public transport interchange at Weymouth station, revamped bus services and new cycle lanes.

But the scheme does not include any change to the mini-roundabout at the top of King Street on the seafront. The proposals, developed by Dorset County Council highways officers, will be discussed by Weymouth and Portland borough councillors next Tuesday.

Coun Nigel Reed, chairman of the borough management committee, said: "These are draft plans to deal with the Olympics and the future from then on.

"It would be a permanent measure and this is why it will need thought and public consultation to consider the effects of the changes. Research suggests traffic lights can move traffic faster than roundabouts, although a lot of people don't necessarily think that way.

"The idea is that when traffic builds up you are in a position to do something about it by changing the lights.

"Whereas with roundabouts you just have to go with the flow - or not, as the case may be.

"It will raise doubts because you're talking about quite a number of roundabouts and it's going to cause some disruption.

"But this meeting will be an initial chance for us to go through the plans, ask how it's going to work, what disruption will be caused and how it affects people living in those areas."

Changes to the Weymouth to Portland corridor will focus on Boot Hill, Buxton Road, Foord's Corner in Wyke Regis and Portland Road, as well as the route from Chickerell Road through Lanehouse.

Coun Reed said: "The plans are focussing on public transport rather than private cars.

"When you step off your train the bus stops will be right outside.

"The stops will have LCD displays saying when the next bus is due, and in some places the buses will be able to change the traffic lights.

"We already have a number of cycle lanes and the plan is to link them up."