Road closures around the Houses of Parliament have moved a step closer following a security announcement from the home secretary.

In a written statement David Blunkett set out the latest government thinking on ways in which the Palace of Westminster can be protected from terrorist attack.

He said that "operational police deployments" have already been increased to counter the potential threat of vehicle bombs.

And there will be "further enhancements to the support for operational policing" in Westminster, including work on a new control room and CCTV.

"We will also be discussing with Westminster City Council, the mayor, Transport for London and other relevant authorities whether any further physical measures are required to provide additional protection around the Palace of Westminster," he said.

"The government recently tabled an amendment to the Civil Contingencies Bill, which will allow highway authorities to make an anti-terrorist traffic regulation order, on the application of the chief constable.

"As we indicated in laying the amendment, this is not specifically intended to control vehicle access around parliament but it will make it easier for the police to respond to particular threats by further controlling traffic.

"Whilst there are no plans for any major programme of road closures, I am determined that we should avoid a situation in which a series of steps, which may be sensible in themselves, has a wider impact on traffic and public access to this important part of London."

Blunkett said he would undertake a wider process of consultation with the mayor and other authorities on the consequences of and options for changes to management of traffic around parliament.

"I believe that this is essential if we are to safeguard and enhance not just the security of the area but also its economic and social well-being," he said.

It is thought that the closure of all or part of Parliament Square to traffic is one likely outcome of the talks.

Meanwhile, parliament's joint committee on security agreed to appoint a new head of security.

However, the parliamentary authorities agreed that rules should first be established governing the way in which the new security chief will work with the serjeant at arms and Black Rod, who currently oversee security in the Commons and Lords.