COUNCILLORS in Bournemouth have agreed to “urgently” investigate new transport systems, including monorail and underground, in a bid to tackle “serious” pressures on the town's roads

The council will now carry out a “detailed investigation” of alternative traffic networks to gauge the best way to reduce congestion.

Despite reservations from some councillors at Tuesday’s meeting about the timing, with the council due to be abolished in March, the vast majority supported the motion calling for potential systems to be examined.

The move, which also urges the council to work with Poole and Christchurch to explore conurbation-wide traffic issues, was only opposed by councillors Nick Rose and Kieron Wilson.

Cllr Rose said that changes to driving habits “in the next 10 years” will remove the need for any large-scale transport system.

However, putting forward the motion, Cllr Michael Filer said congestion was the latest major issue facing the council and that it was one that needed to be tackled.

He said: “In view of the serious and increasing traffic problems within Bournemouth, this council needs to urgently investigate additional alternatives to reduce pressure on the road system within the town whether by using routes by sea, above, on or over ground.”

He admitted that any underground system was likely to be “very expensive” but that he was not putting forward any specific proposal, only asking for “detailed investigation” of potential solutions.

A report published by the council in September found that a light rail system “could fulfil a role” in Bournemouth’s transport network.

And work by councillors to explore new alternative systems has also been backed by MP Tobias Ellwood who has told councillors that government funding is available to support potential schemes.

The motion was seconded by Cllr Mark Anderson who said that he was keen for the project not to be funded by councils but that they should work to draw up a business case for any proposals.

Speaking on Tuesday, he said: “I have been aware for quite a while now of the issue with the capacity of our road network. This is an issue we need to take on now.

“We should encourage and promote private enterprise, we should not be afraid to allow them to take the profit and the risks.”

Concerns were raised by Cllr Simon Bull that an investigation could take up council officers’ time when they are already busy with work on the transition to the new Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

However, the motion was supported by most councillors.