A state of utter confusion in national and local government circles seems to exist over just where future transportation plans are going.

The target - quite simple in theory - includes reducing the number of cars on the roads, having an affordable public transport system which is second to none and cutting the number of new roads being built.

But as we all know most means to achieve that end have fallen by the wayside or haven't had the desired effect.

One of the main challenges facing Keighley as we begin the New Year is to face up to the fact that traffic flow through the town is slowly but surely reaching a state of gridlock by the day.

Members of a Keighley Town Council committee have produced a document containing a series of measures which it believes could help reduce town centre congestion.

They accept it is pie-in-the-sky to think the problems can be dealt with in one fell swoop. But their suggestions are well worth detailed consideration.

For they have included one element in their plans - which seem to be missing from previous ones - local knowledge. There's a subtle difference between public consultation and planners going out of their way to meet and talk with the people who use the routes each and every day.

Look at the positive suggestions which came out of the furore over the trees on North Street. Were any of those suggestions taken into account, such as experimenting by altering the sequence of the traffic lights?

Not everyone will agree with the town council committee's ideas but they are laced with common sense and with input from the experts some could be made to work.

The situation at the Victoria Park roundabout should be a primary target as more and more impatient drivers find ways of dodging the queues and confusion grows over just what the "keep clear" signs mean.

Presumably the planners have taken into account the positive/negative impact the opening of the Bingley Relief Road will have on traffic flow at peak times at the roundabout.

A vital foundation stone for Keighley's dynamic future is a workable environmentally friendly transport network which meets the needs local people and business