Cars could be banned from the heart of Northbridge on Friday and Saturday nights under a proposal from the City of Perth.

Almost a decade after a trial of a ban was deemed a spectacular failure, the creation of pedestrian-only zones in the entertainment precinct — with exceptions for buses, taxis and service vehicles — has been identified as an area for investigation in a draft planning strategy developed by the City of Perth.

A three-month trial of the same concept by the local government nine years ago was aborted three weeks in after complaints from business owners and difficulties policing it.

The City of Perth would need a traffic management plan approved by Main Roads to embark on a new trial.

City of Perth deputy chair commissioner Gaye McMath said a key priority within the planning strategy was to prioritise pedestrians in city neighbourhoods. “Walking is not just a healthy transport option but having people commuting safely between key destinations is important in creating more vibrant places,” she said.

“Northbridge has a proven night-time economy, with the highest levels of activation in the evenings, during the week and on weekends.

“An important aspect of the city planning strategy will be to strengthen the connection for pedestrians between our key cultural facilities and making our streets more attractive and easier to navigate.”

But Mike Keiller, whose Mustang Bar has remained one of the most popular Northbridge bars for two decades, said a car ban would mean there were not enough people in the precinct to “generate the vibe” needed.

“You have the same number of people spread across a much greater area and it just doesn’t look as busy,” Mr Keiller said.

“It’s come up fairly regularly over the last 10 or 15 years. Historically the traders in the busiest streets such as James Street and Lake Street have been against it.

“In saying that, I understand at times there is street congestion, but it’s generally only after 11pm on a Saturday night.”

Another measure for consideration in the draft strategy is for Northbridge landowners to be asked to develop green space on the roofs of buildings.

A redesign of Perth Convention Centre facilities and the potential for an inner-city primary school are also identified.