A PROPOSAL to reduce the number of one-way streets in Launceston has been met with mixed reaction.
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It is recommended in the Draft Greater Launceston Plan to investigate transforming Paterson, York and George streets back to two- way streets to make the city a safer environment.
Launceston Chamber of Commerce executive officer Maree Tetlow said it was a good idea to revisit the habits of shoppers, visitors and workers in Launceston.
"It is also widely recommended that the best shopping precincts encourage attractive and active pedestrian areas as well as colour and movement through slow-moving traffic," Ms Tetlow said.
"However, the viability of whether opening one-way streets to become two-way streets is a big question mark.
"We would want to understand the advantages of this action, in the same way the suggestion to close Paterson Street between Charles and St John Streets.
"The last thing we want is to cause traffic mayhem, for very little return to the city's prosperity."
The plan also suggests opportunities to develop a CBD community precinct for pedestrians by linking the Brisbane Street Mall and Civic Square via Paterson Street.
Trevallyn's Natalie Koning, 27, said she could not see a reason to change the status quo.
Taxi Combined operations manager Tony Dilger said fares out of the city to Summerhill cost a customer about $1 extra than coming into town, because of the one- way streets.
"Our immediate thought was why muck around with it," Mr Dilger said.
"I don't think there is much confusion amongst locals but I think there is among visitors."
Ms Tetlow said the chamber was also working an Inner City Living Case Study to identify how easily and costly it is to convert vacant upstairs heritage buildings into inner-city residences, as they "will play a major part in our city revitalisation into the future".
"They spend more time and expenditure with city businesses and add to the life of the city after 5pm," she said.