Controversial road improvements and other plans for boosting transport along the South Coast were launched in an exhibition today.

It is part of the South Coast Corridor Multi Modal Study being conducted by consultants Halcrow for the Government.

It was being held at Hove Town Hall today until 6pm, tomorrow from 10am to 5pm and on Saturday between 10am and 4pm.

There are other exhibitions at the same times at Marina Pavilion in Lower Promenade Marina, St Leonards and the Hardwick Suite, International Lawn Tennis Centre, Devonshire Park, Eastbourne.

The study said there was little demand for long-distance travel on the South Coast and that most journeys were local.

Its recommendations included improving public transport and walking and cycling paths plus suggestions of congestion charging.

But the study also said some improved roads may be needed to reduce congestion in areas of the South Coast.

These include schemes for the A27 around Chichester, Fontwell, Slindon Common, Arundel, Worthing and between Lewes and Polegate.

The study area stretches from Southampton to Margate and includes the whole coastal area of Sussex.

A first reaction has come from the South Downs Campaign, which welcomed many of the recom-mendations but opposed any ideas for new roads.

It said consultants should review proposals now that the Downs were going to be designated as a national park.

Campaign chairman Robin Crane said: "These new roads would undermine many of the good initiatives proposed elsewhere in the study.

"Our chief concern is to ensure that the protection of the South Downs is not compromised."