STREETS LINED WITH GOLD? The Automobile Association wants traffic lights in the city centre to be changed to flashing amber at night.

Central Christchurch could be one step closer to becoming a traffic light-free zone after dark.

The Automobile Association plans to lobby for traffic lights in the city centre to be changed from phased signals to flashing amber.

It wants the proposal to be adopted and rolled out under the city's newly announced transport plan.

The AA has previously pushed for the traffic-light phasing, where a "give-way rule" would apply late at night and at off-peak times. This means motorists would no longer have to wait for a green light on near-empty streets.

Canterbury/West Coast Automobile Association chairman John Skevington said the transport plan "looks absolutely great" from a motoring perspective.

The traffic-light proposal was put forward as a submission for the draft transport plan in November last year as a "possible discussion point on our AA council's wishlist".

"There's no reason why it couldn't be adopted," he said.

The transition would be eased with the 30kmh speed limit, and would mirror similar practices overseas, Skevington said.

The concept could be rolled out nationwide if it was successful in Christchurch, he said.

A Christchurch City Council spokeswoman said those asked about the proposal at the council were unaware of the submission, or if it would be considered.

A Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority spokeswoman said the Accessible City plan would "continue to evolve and adapt to the redeveloping city's needs".

"There are many ideas that will still be able to be explored over time and the input from specialist interest groups and experts will be essential in that process."