A package of proposals to improve the flow of buses in and around Kidlington has been unveiled.

The aim is to reduce traffic congestion to make bus services more reliable in a bid to entice people out of their cars and on to buses.

The Kidlington scheme is the first of its kind in a county-wide initiative to increase the use of buses.

One of the ideas designed to cut congestion and reduce delays is to add a bus lane through the middle of the Oxford Road roundabout near the Sainsbury's supermarket to create what is known as a 'bus-burger' layout.

Other suggestions drawn up by Oxfordshire County Council include:

New traffic lights at the Oxford Road and Yarnton Road junction, with improved pedestrian crossing facilities

Linking all traffic light-fitted junctions to give priority for bus services

A bus-only gate at the southern end of Grovelands

A bus lane on the approach to Kidlington roundabout near Sainsbury's

Modifications to bus lay-bys in Oxford Road.

The county council's executive member for transport and highways, David Robertson, welcomed the proposals.

"Bus travel in Oxfordshire has increased by over 50 per cent in the past decade, but we desperately need to attract more passengers if we are to overcome rush-hour problems," he said.

An exhibition outlining the proposals is on display in the foyer of Exeter Hall, in Oxford Road, until Saturday, July 12.

Once public consultation finishes, the results will be studied before a report is taken to councillors recommending which ideas could be taken further.

Council transport planner Victoria Sowter said it would be at least 18 months before any new traffic systems were introduced.