Council leaders are also looking at the possibility of building a third bridge over the Thames to help traffic run more smoothly.

The proposals are among a raft of ideas which make up a report being considered by the town's councillors.

Other plans include making traffic on the Inner Distribution Road - known as the IDR - travel one way.

Buses upgraded

Councillors have discarded previous transport policies to start with a clean slate on tackling congestion.

Other initiatives may mean widening bridges at Cow Lane, improving the Richfield Avenue and Caversham Road junction and re-launching the town's bus company.

The bus service is to be upgraded first with the introduction of new tickets, bus shelters and information displays.

Proposals for the introduction of a new transit system, either trams or a light rail network, are at an early stage.

The transport strategy will be discussed by Reading Borough Council's cabinet on 9 December.