Council bosses want to slow traffic to 20mph in the Winckley Square area by using speed humps.

But Stagecoach North West has contested the proposals, saying similar flat-topped speed humps in Manchester Road are causing "extensive underbody damage" to its vehicles.

Now, councillors are being asked to consider whether or not to press ahead with the scheme, due to be funded by European cash through CIVITAS.

The humps would be installed on Winckley Square, Church Street, Avenham Lane, Ribblesdale Place, Cross Street and linking roads.

Nicholas Watson, chief executive of the Preston Chamber of Trade, said it was important for the scheme to go ahead to increase safety for shoppers.

He said: "We need to make the city as attractive as possible for people. Throughout the university area there are speed bumps already in existence and I don't believe the bus companies have objected to those."

The 20mph zone is part of a wider plan for a 'clear zone' in Preston city centre, but other elements are also in limbo.

It's been suggested that plans to close Chapel Street be postponed until additional improvements to the Chapel Street, Fishergate and Lune Street junction.

However, gates may be installed in Chapel Street, at the junctions with Fishergate and Winckley Square, to allow temporary closures at Christmas or during parades.

Progress on a cycle lane along Fishergate and Church Street has been postponed until the future of the Miller Arcade is resolved.

County Coun Matthew Tomlinson, cabinet member for sustainable development at County Hall, said: "Whilst we may have objections to bits of the scheme, I've not been made aware of anything that gives me cause for concern about the delivery of the project."