Drivers could be hit with a congestion charge in Brighton and Hove after a political coup in the city.

The move is at the top of the agenda for minority parties who wrested power away from the Tories this week.

Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Greens all see reducing the number of vehicles in the city centre as a priority.

Lib Dem councillor Paul Elgood confirmed a congestion charge is one of the methods being considered.

He said: “It is something we think should be looked at.

“There should be a full feasibility study on the possibility of introducing a congestion charge.

“There is no question that we have to look at how we take vehicles out of the city centre.

“Our one hesitation is if it is the right thing to do at a time of recession.

“We have to be mindful of the difficult economic circumstances.”

He said that a congestion charge would need to be introduced with other traffic-busting measures.

These would include an edge of city park and ride scheme, traffic calming and introducing 20mph zones.

He said that the feasibility study and consultation should now take place as quickly as possible.

Coun Elgood added: “Getting vehicles out of the city centre is one of the most urgent issues facing the city.”

The three minority parties combined on Thursday to force through a series of amendments to the city's Core Strategy.

It will govern policies on development, transport and the economy until 2026.