Political rivals are uniting in favour of a new ambitious and wide-ranging transport strategy for Abingdon.

After earlier opposition to what Conservatives on the strategy's steering group feared was an anti-car policy, the latest proposals have been welcomed by the Tories and Liberal Democrats.

Among the major projects for the 15-year scheme are a park-and-ride system, either one or two new river crossings, a new bus interchange on a re-developed multi-storey car park next to Tesco's Marcham Road site and two slip roads to the A34 at Lodge Hill and Drayton.

Keith Mitchell, leader of the Conservative group on Oxfordshire County Council and a member of the steering group, praised the four-year long study for its thoroughness and close involvement with the councils and public.

Mr Mitchell and the leader of the Tories on the Vale of White Horse District Council, Terry Cox, have supported a series of amendments to the final proposals from transport consultants Halcrow Fox.

Mr Mitchell said: "The way this project has been handled by everyone involved is a model that the county council and other towns could use.

"But it is important that members keep a handle on what is happening and monitor very closely the development of the strategy. There must be no slippage in the programme."

Political unity was also the message president of Abingdon Chamber of Commerce Kevin Clare.

He added: "It was so heartwarming to see the political parties joining together and supporting the strategy.

"The meeting was very positive and it was good to see members had fully grasped the issues. But the programme needs to be constantly monitored and reviewed and it is important that the consultation process with the public continues."

Julie Mayhew-Archer, Lib Dem county councillor and Abingdon Town Council representative on the steering group said: "I still have some reservations about parts of the proposals but I am sure we can sort out the difficulties. It will take several years for the scheme to be implemented and, in the meantime, public consultation will continue."

Roz Smith, Vale of White Horse District councillor for Abbey ward, said: "I have reservations about certain aspects but part of the whole process is careful monitoring and revision. But on the whole I welcome the strategy. It will strike a balance between traffic and pedestrians and will keep Abingdon vibrant."

Tony van Emst, director of consultants Halcrow Fox, said: "It has been a long haul but over the four years it has been an example of co-operation. It is a balanced report which I think will achieve the objectives set out by councillors and the public."

Members of the steering group will now consider the consultants' final report and agree amendments for further debate before a final draft is approved in the summer.

In the short and medium term Stratton Way will be turned into a two-way system and Stert Street and the High Street reduced to single lane.

Work will start this autumn on new crossings, a cycle network, a parking scheme for Fitzharry's estate and a footway and cycle path along Twelve Acre Drive.

The cost of the whole strategy is more than £56m. Central Government will provide most of the cash, with contributions from the county council, Vale of White Horse District Council, and developers.