A political party has come to a consensus on 20mph limits and agreed to back the restrictions – to an extent.

More than 13,000 people had their say on Brighton and Hove City Council’s plans to extend the restrictions across large swathes of the city.

But members of the Conservative group have privately disagreed on how many roads should be included the proposed phase two scheme.

Transport spokesman Graham Cox received some criticism from his fellow members and from lobbying group Unchain the Brighton Motorist after he said he broadly supported the “near blanket” approach.

But after talks between members, Hove MP Mike Weatherley has now said a consensus has been reached within the party and among businesses.

Mr Weatherley said: “I know that many residents are happy that their own roads have been reduced to 20mph, and I back this, but speed reductions should not be applied to main thoroughfares.

“It would be fantastic if we can come to a cross-party agreement on what, on balance, is the best solution for the city as a whole.”

The Conservatives have now agreed that certain thoroughfares, such as Boundary Road, Portland Road, Olive Road, Hangleton Road, Hangleton Way, West Way, and Goldstone Crescent should be excluded.

Coun Cox said: “My Conservative colleagues and I have been pushing for a common sense approach that can hopefully receive broad support.

“I will be making this case strongly to the Transport Committee when the time comes.”

Andy Cheesman, spokesman for Unchain the Brighton Motorist, said: “When the city moves slowly, our whole economy moves slowly. A thriving city that is attractive to visitors is vital for all of us.”

All three political parties – Green, Labour and Conservatives – backed the widening out of the limits into areas such as west Hove, Withdean, Portslade, Hangleton and east Brighton.

The 20mph consultation is due to be discussed by councillors next month with a final decision being taken in the new year.

A council spokesman said: “A ‘blan ket ban’ across the entire city is not part of the proposals.

“The phase two proposals focus on residential streets, with most of the main arterial roads such as Old Shoreham Road, New Church Road, Ditchling Road, London Road and Lewes Road proposed to remain at their current speed limits.”