Bus boss Roger French sparked controversy today by publicly supporting restrictions on the supply of petrol, provided public transport can be kept going.

He claimed the fuel protests in September had widespread benefits as roads became quieter and pollution levels fell.

Mr French, managing director of Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company, insisted the only problem was public transport on the roads also had to be curtailed because of dwindling diesel stocks.

Writing in his company's magazine, On Route, he pointed out there was widespread support for the fuel protesters for many different reasons.

He added: "If everyone appears to support the action, let's try starving petrol stations of fuel again, but this time keep emergency and essential users such as hospitals, bus operators and their staff supplied and see what happens.

"Perhaps some kind of official rationing system could be introduced with widespread support.

"It might just reduce motorists' dependence on their cars and enable public transport to begin to provide a service not hindered by traffic congestion.

"And if some people are coerced into switching to alternatives, they may just find it's not quite as bad as they had believed."

Mr French said travellers who switched to buses from cars during the fuel crisis were impressed by the service and found the cost was cheaper.

He maintained that bus journeys would become more reliable if there were fewer cars and the air would become far cleaner.

Earlier this year, Mr French said congestion was costing his company more than £500,000 a year.