The findings, from a new damning survey, come at a time when Prestonians are growing increasingly frustrated with the city's congested roads and seemingly endless roadworks.

The Evening Post has learned that bus journeys scheduled to take 20 minutes are lasting up to an hour and a half.

The survey, which has been carried out by chartered accountants Moore and Smalley, included views from 500 people.

A total of 44% believe improving the city's road network should be the most important thing over the next five years.

But only 31% said speeding up the start of the Tithebarn development is key to Preston's development. Other options on the multiple choice online survey included: improving shopping facilities, which attracted 13% of the votes; creating a new business district (6%); achieving unitary status (6%) and adding a new tourist attraction, which did not get any votes.

The Tithebarn scheme will include a new department store, the creation of a cafe culture, a revitalised market, covered walkways and a new library.

There would be a new business district opposite the Crown Court, a residential development and a shopping quarter at the rear of the Guild Hall as part of the plan.

There are currently 36 roads in Preston undergoing maintenance work.
Chris Dillon, general manger of Scootermart.com, on North Road, said: "When there is a problem on the motorway it all backs up on this road.
"We used to get five to 10 walk-in customers a day, but that has all stopped."

Anne Swarbrick, general manager of Tile Giant Ltd, North Road, said: "If they filtered the traffic problem it would improve the profitability of our business.

"It makes people very irate when they have been sat queuing."
Earlier in the year, the Evening Post reported claims traffic in Preston was in danger of grinding to a halt within 15 years unless charging was introduced.

Rob Salter, senior partner at Moore and Smalley, said today: "Preston has always had traffic problems and, if the city grows as predicted, changes will need to be made."

Peter Bell, managing director of Preston Bus, said: "Last week a journey from the bus station to the Black Bull pub took one and a half hours, when it is normally 20 minutes.

"You cannot do the Tithebarn without sorting out the roads first."
Nicholas Watson, of the chamber of trade, said Preston's transport
infrastructure needed major investment.

He said: "But Tithebarn is vital to the city in the long-term."
Keith Parsons, urban regeneration lecturer at the University of Central Lancashire, said: "I can understand that getting infrastructure right is vital because people will not be able to get to and from Tithebarn otherwise."

Mike Brogan, Preston Council's assistant director for city projects, said Tithebarn included improvements to Ring Way.

He said: "Tithebarn is crucial to driving Preston forward and is key to its plan to become a major North West city."