Ashby de la Zouch Town Council is to launch an attempt to address traffic problems in one of the town's most congested streets.

Councillors discussed the problems caused by excessive traffic using Avenue Road, which links Tamworth Road with Upper Packington Road.

Residents have reported damage to parked vehicles due to cars using the road, sometimes at high speed and want action taken.

Cllr Barbara Kneale also said that some vehicles were having to park up partly on the pavement, which causes problems for families taking children to Willesley Primary School.

It was agreed that the Town Council would ask Leicestershire County Council to look into the matter.

Councillors at last week's planning committee meeting suggested a number of ways in which the problem could be tackled.

This included the introduction of a one-way system and calming measures such as speed bumps.

Cllr Kneale said: "Residents have made comments such as, speeding along the street, the volume of traffic, lorries and damage to cars.

"Even a dog has been hit while it was on a lead with its owner.

"Suggestions includes perhaps bringing in a one way system or traffic calming.

"It's also possible that SatNavs are sending inappropriate traffic down the road.

"There used to be a 20mph speed limit, but it's not there any more.

"When you join Avenue Road from Lower Packington Road, it's not a proper junction, so you can zoom down from there.

"We could also make Avenue Road 'residents only.

"I think it's about time we ask the County Council to take some action and do a proper survey of the area."

Cllr Mike Ball added: "I think adding speed bumps and making it one way would make a big difference and solve a lot of the problems.

"It's what's been done between Ashby and Donisthorpe on the Willesley Road."

Cllr Dan Harrison said: "A one-way system would be complicated, but the situation's not good.

"You could also have parking on just one side of the road.

"But you risk moving the problem from one place to somewhere else.

"I think the County Council should analyse it and then come back to us."

Cllr Dave Bigby added: "I think making it one-way would make it worse, as drivers would know they can go straight through knowing there's nothing coming the other way.

"But I thnk a 20mph limit would be sensible, with some sort of speed bumps.

"With a one-way system, people coming from Packington who would use Avenue Road, would then have a very sharp left hand turn on to Tamworth Road.

"That's why the County Council need to come here, have a look at propose the best solution."