A radical plan to transform Oxford city centre by making it more pedestrian-friendly was unveiled by county council leaders today.

The multi-million-pound scheme, entitled Transform Oxford, is only a blueprint for public consultation at this stage, but county council officials are confident it will go ahead.

One of the key elements is the pedestrianisation of Queen Street, with bus stops removed next summer to make way for the eventual complete removal of buses from the street.

Pedestrianisation schemes in George Street and Magdalen Street should follow in the summer of 2010, with the removal of traffic from Broad Street the same year a possibility.

In 2011, highways engineers plan to remodel the Frideswide Square junctions near the railways station, removing traffic lights and introducing roundabouts to improve traffic flow.

County council leader Keith Mitchell said Transform Oxford had the support of retailers, bus companies and the city council.

He added: "Oxford is one of the most famous cities in the world and we must act to make sure it thrives and retains both its competitive edge and splendid historic charm.

"Queen Street, George Street, Magdalen Street and Broad Street are firmly in our sights for work in 2009-10.

"There is work we can do there relatively quickly that will improve the experience for the shopper and increase pedestrian safety.

"After that, we will move on to the world-famous High Street and St Aldate's and there will be more work on Queen Street.

"The detail on this work is currently in its earliest stages.

"However, people should be in no doubt we're very serious about improving these routes."