Traffic flows in Falmouth's main streets are likely to be reversed in an effort to reduce the number of people using the town as a rat run and abusing the current limited restrictions.

The change will lead to enormous upheaval in and around the town centre for motorists, traders and pedestrians. But if the thumbs' up is given to the idea, it could be implemented as early as January next year.

It will mean traffic not being able to enter the town centre from the High Street or Market Strand. Instead all traffic will have to go via the A39 to enter Arwenack Street from the opposite end of town and exit via Killigrew Street.

The Packet can reveal that the county council has already drawn up detailed plans which will go out for consultation next week. They are likely to attract considerable attention. On Monday the idea was discussed before a Falmouth transportation group which includes bus companies and taxi drivers and was known to have received mixed views.

Peter Rugg, the town centre manager, who chaired the meeting, said there was little doubt it would be a dramatic change for Falmouth.

"The general feeling is there needs to be proper consultation. It will then come back to the group. But we are a long way from that," he said. "This is a major change and needs a lot of discussion."

If all was well, however, the scheme could be in place as early as January or at the latest by the summer 2005.

Bus companies, taxi drivers, traders and all others using the town centre as well as residents had to be given the chance to express their views, said Mr Rugg. It should not effect any plans to develop the harbourside.

William Boex, from the county council transportation department, said parking was currently banned and driving not permitted along Market Street, Church Street and Arwenack Street between 11 am and 4 pm except for buses, taxis and access to car parks. But the regulations were continually abused.

It was an attractive route for those wishing to drive from the north to the south of the town, he said.

The benefit of the new scheme would be a decrease in the amount of through traffic because the current link from north to south would be taken away allowing safer access for pedestrians.

"We predict a reduction in traffic using North Parade, Stratton Terrace, Greenbank and High Street," he said.

Travel patterns will change for drivers who have used the existing system for many years but good signing will be carried out. Variable message signs will also be necessary to integrate the scheme through notifying drivers of the location and capacity of the main car parks in Falmouth.

The junction of Market Street and the lower end of Killigrew Street and Market Strand, near the Prince of Wales Pier, will be altered and the exit and entry points of the Church Street car park reversed.

What do you think about it the proposed traffic changes. Please email your replies to editorial@packetseries.co.uk