Cable-car transit plans for city

Atkins, the company behind the plans, said although it would not be a mass transit system to solve congestion, it would offer fantastic city views.

It would be similar to the Harbour Cable Car in Barcelona, Spain, known as the Transbordador Aeri, which carries 400,000 people a year.

Martin Pease, director of Atkins, said it would "enhance" the city.

"It would complement the historic tourist attractions in Bristol and could be as iconic as the London Eye, the Eiffel Tower or the Barcelona cable-car ride that provided the inspiration," he added.

"The proposal sees high-tech pods suspended on a series of light-weight pylons, which themselves would be designed to be elegant and beautiful to look at."