IPSWICH town centre is to get a total new look next month when a new one-way system is introduced.And they'll also be a clampdown on drivers illegally using bus-only routes.

IPSWICH town centre is to get a total new look next month when a new one-way system is introduced.

And they'll also be a clampdown on drivers illegally using bus-only routes.

The new one way system for buses around the town centre is being introduced from October 27. From that date most of the streets used by buses, bikes, taxis and emergency vehicles only will become an anti-clockwise one-way system.

And most buses travelling to the town centre will go around the new one-way system allowing passengers to get off nearer their final destination.

A new campaign has been launched to tell shoppers and bus users about the change – which should become permanent in 2004.

Suffolk County Council and Ipswich Council have been working in partnership with Ipswich Buses and First Group on a traffic strategy since the early 1990s and this is the latest phase of the plan.

The bus companies have had to change some of their routes and stops and the 'Better Way Day' campaign will encourage passengers to pick up an information leaflet from bus drivers.

Suffolk County Council's Joan Girling said: "It is one of the county council's priorities to encourage more people to use public transport and this project should make it even easier for people to get to Ipswich town centre."

Penny Breakwell of Ipswich council added: "The aim of the bus gyratory is to prevent rat running at speed and reclaim the town centre for pedestrians, cyclists and blue badge holders."

In addition to the changes to roads and routes, new parking bays are being created in Upper Brook Street, Northgate Street, High Street and Museum Street which will be available for disabled drivers to use between 11am and 4pm. Shopkeepers will be allowed to use them for unloading and loading between 4.40pm and 2am, and 8.30am to 10.30am.

Cyclists can continue to use the new one-way streets, (Upper Brook Street, Northgate Street, Museum Street and High Street), in both directions.

Cycle lanes will be contra-flow but cyclists will need to be aware of oncoming vehicles and pedestrians.

Further improvements are planned for next summer, including the redevelopment of the Tower Ramparts bus station.

If the changes are made permanent in 2004, a programme of improvements in the road will be introduced – improving the appearance of the town centre.