Plans for a car-free event have been described as a logistical nightmare that could significantly damage the city’s economy.

Brighton and Hove's City Forum Transport Group wants residents to leave the car at home and either walk, cycle or use public transport for their journeys.

However, business leaders fear it could harm the city’s financial recovery.

The organisers say the week will feature activities and events to raise awareness of the need to use more sustainable transport in the city. It will take place from September 16-22 during European Mobility Week.

Rob Shepherd, the spokesman for the City Forum Transport Group, said the event would have the same impact as a large scale project such as the White Night festival, but spread over a week.

Mr Shepherd denied the event would stop people shopping in the city.

He said: “The celebratory, festival-like nature of the day will entice more people into the centre.”

But Alan Sperring, manager of the award-winning Chilli Pickle restaurant in Jubilee Street, Brighton, branded the plan a logistical nightmare”.

He said: “If our deliveries are affected, it will cause us a massive problem. It’s all very well being green but you can’t stop business operating. They make the city what it is. All businesses are struggling in this climate. We don’t need our revenues threatened further.”

Claire Ottewell, chair of the Brighton and Hove Tourism Alliance, said closing off city centre roads for an entire week was likely to have significant adverse effects on shops, restaurants and entertainment venues.

She said: “Brighton has some unique issues around access and parking. Careful consideration is needed to ensure the visitor-driven economy isn't compromised, especially in the current financial climate. Our members would be very keen to be consulted on this to ensure the voice of tourism and hospitality businesses is heard."

Gavin Stewart, Brighton city centre manager, said fragile local businesses will suffer.

He said: “Cars can be the only means of transport for some people to be able to access their city, and many businesses rely on their customers using a vehicle due to the size or quantity of the purchases they are making. We are lucky in that we have one of the best public transport networks in the country but although the concept of a car free city sounds great, it needs to be managed carefully so that in this fragile economy, local businesses don’t lose out even more.

Tony Mernagh, executive director at the Brighton and Hove Economic Partnership warned organisers to think carefully before shutting |down main roads such as North Street.

He said: “This plan has to be an encouragement rather than prohibitive. If the organisers start badgering car users it will be counter-productive.”

Brighton and Hove city councillor Ian Davey, Brighton and Hove City Council’s cabinet member for transport said: “If everyone who usually drives used a different form of transport for just one or two journeys a week it would have a positive impact on traffic and congestion.”