RADICAL proposals have been made to try to end daily rush-hour traffic queues on one of Inverclyde's busiest roads.
Former teacher John Burleigh of Greenock, who taught technical subjects and has a degree in mechanical engineering, has suggested building a parallel two-way road running alongside Eldon Street to relieve congestion.
He is putting his ideas to Inverclyde Council, who have agreed to look at them.
Mr Burleigh, who also runs a 'Burns Bunnet' business, said: "Drivers are sick of the regular peak-time congestion between Greenock and Gourock.
"This gets particularly bad whenever there are roadworks, as when ScottishPower dug up Eldon Street this week for emergency cable repairs."
His plan involves building a new road to run from the bottom of Newark Street to Manor Crescent.
He believes there would be enough room to have two roads by moving the northern pavement to inside the Battery Park wall, and removing street car parking at the other side.
Mr Burleigh said: "A safety barrier could be erected between the two roads, similar to the one on the Kingston Bridge in Glasgow.
"The new road would allow traffic to proceed up Manor Crescent to Larkfield Road, leaving the Eldon Street route for those going through Gourock town centre.
"I believe this would allow for the removal of the Manor Crescent traffic lights, as well as taking away the clogged-up channelised junction at the bottom of Larkfield Road.
"Drivers coming down Larkfield Road would get to the town centre via Broomberry Drive and one of the streets running down towards the river."
Mr Burleigh said he has previously made a successful suggestion to the council by being instrumental in getting Jamaica Lane changed from two-way to one-way.
He is submitting drawings of his Eldon Street proposals to Scott Allan, the council's corporate director of environment, regeneration and resources.
A council spokesman welcomed Mr Burleigh's interest in the traffic issue.
The spokesman said: "We are always open to ideas that make improvements​, drive efficiency or reduce costs.
"Good ideas can come from anywhere. When this arrives we will certainly examine it and get in touch with Mr Burleigh."