BUSES could be given priority on the A8 through Inverclyde under a controversial plan to ease traffic congestion.

Councillor David Wilson, who is chair of the operations committee at Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, has revealed that the organisation is in talks with Transport Scotland about installing a specialised traffic light system on the main road.

It would be reactive and give buses priority while also prioritising traffic on the main road over side streets.

Councillor Wilson believes the changes could help traffic flow more freely on the main road and solve delays.

He said: "A lot of people are fed up with the A8 and want to see something getting done.

"I think the main road is a problem, we need to keep the traffic flowing.

"On the day of the recent opening of the new cruise terminal even the transport minister was held up by traffic on the A8."

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SPT bosses have spoken to Transport Scotland to move ahead with the installation of a MOVA (Microprocessor Optimised Vehicle Actuation) traffic solution for the trunk road.

Cllr Wilson said: "This facility is known to reduce wait time by 40 per cent and travel time by 26 per cent.

"This would be helpful for the bus timetables of the excellent McGill's services on the A8 corridor.

"It inevitably would mean some delay on the side roads, but the priority is to keep the main road moving."

Councillor Wilson says that discussions are at an early stage but added that SPT would be happy to make a contribution to installing the system.

It could cost up to £750,000.

Buses would have receivers which would transmit a signal to traffic light control, which manages the sequence, to allow the bus through.

The system would work by extending a green phase, shortening the green light for other traffic, or changing lights to green.

Councillor Wilson said: "There would be a receiver on the bus which is picked up on its approach to traffic lights, and can change them to green.

"It also allows drivers priority over side roads.

"Currently traffic lights automatically come on and off every few minutes but this system means lights would come on only when there was traffic coming out of the side street.

"At the moment traffic lights on the main road are turning red to let non-existent traffic turn onto the main road.

"Over the past 20 years more and more junctions have been created on the A8, due to new houses and business premises and James Watt Dock Marina.

"Side road traffic should be managed on a selective basis, they are getting too much of a share."

Mr Wilson believes changes to traffic management are essential to help ensure the future prosperity of Inverclyde.

He told the Tele: "It is so important economically to keep Inverclyde moving, in particular along the main road.

"I will be encouraging Transport Scotland to put this system in and SPT will contribute towards the cost if it helps the flow of public transport."