A Government-sponsored report calls for a parking tax at workplaces and shopping centres to avert gridlock on Sussex roads.

The major transport study says charges are essential to curb the growth in car use, expected to increase by almost 50 per cent by 2030 if nothing is done.

It says Brighton and Hove should charge vehicles to enter the city, significantly increase long-stay parking fees, introduce new park-and-ride schemes and make big improvements to public transport.

The recommendations come in the Government-sponsored South Coast Multi-Modal Study.

Despite efforts to cut car use, traffic congestion is expected to keep worsening and the study recommends the removal of many bottlenecks on the A27.

But initiatives such as a new South Coast motorway or charging drivers to use trunk roads have been ruled out.

The study, which is investigating transport links on the coast between Dover and Southampton, goes on show for consultation this week.

Comments from the exhibitions will be incorporated into a final report, which will be sent to the South East Regional Assembly and later to ministers.

Green Party MEP Caroline Lucas welcomed a tax on out-of-town shopping centres, charging to enter Brighton and Hove and improvements to bus and trains services.

But she said reducing bottlenecks on the A27 meant new road schemes at Hastings, Worthing and between Lewes and Polegate.

She said: "Schemes like these have a huge negative impact on our countryside, wildlife, towns and historic treasures. Neither the consultants nor the Government can deny this."

The plans will be on show at Hove Town Hall and at the Marina Pavilion, Hastings, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

There will be exhibitions at Eastbourne on May 16, 17 and 18; and at Arundel Town Council and the Ardington Hotel, Worthing, on May 23, 24 and 25.