A proposal to build a monorail in Preston has been put forward by the city council's chief executive, Jim Carr.

Mr Carr was inspired by a similar scheme around Darwin Harbour in Sydney, Australia. He believes that a monorail service would be the best way to clear traffic congestion, reports the Lancashire Evening Post.

He believes congestion will become a particular problem when the £700 million Tithebarn regeneration project is complete in 2014.

Once the scheme is completed, Preston will have a new retail and civic heart. As well as shops, civic and commercial buildings, leisure facilities, apartments and public spaces are currently being built.

"Successful cities are trying new ideas and we need to think innovatively about transportation in Preston. We need to be looking long-term and not be limited by what we can do immediately," he told newspaper.

"A monorail works in Sydney and runs around the harbour and through the main shopping areas."

Preston Chamber of Trade has welcomed Mr Carr's "innovative" idea as it will allow people to "maximise" their shopping experience.