THE first stage of a two-year survey of transport in Medway has opened and businesses are being asked to play a major role.

Over the coming months consultants for Medway Council will ask businesses to take part in face-to-face discussions about their transport needs and problems, and there will also be a number of business workshops to try to iron out problems.

The ultimate objective is to produce an integrated transport plan for Medway.

James Jennings of Colin Buchanan and Partners said: "This is the initial, first stage of our investigation. Businesses really know where the problems are."

The travel surveys will look at issues like congestion, and who travels where - and why.

Mr Jennings added: "We want to create a new transport system within Medway.”