Busy shopping streets in Brighton's historic centre could become car free under radical plans.

Hundreds of vehicles a day use the area known across the world as The Lanes.

But to make the busy area a more attractive destination, Brighton and Hove City Council is considering plans to restrict vehicle access.

The Green administration claimed it would produce a “better environment for business”.

However some have asked questions about how any restrictions would be enforced.

Ian Davey, the chairman of the council's transport committee, said: “The Old Town is one of the oldest and most popular areas in the city and part of its appeal is the quirky, narrow streets which people love to wander around.

“We want to explore ways of improving the area for everyone to enjoy, while allowing essential users to still have access.

“We are responding to requests to make improvements here and we'll be working with the community to find the best solution.”

The local authority will consult on two options for the area bordered by the seafront, North Street, West Street and Grand Parade.

The first would restrict vehicles from accessing any of the Old Town unless they are residents, delivering to a business, parking for shopping, or an emergency service.

The second would introduce restrictions to all vehicles entering the area while pedestrianising Prince Albert Street between Black Lion Street and Ship Street.

Exact details of the scheme and how it will be enforced will not be finalised until after the consultation.

If agreed by councillors later this year, the improvement scheme could start in January.

Steve Percy, of the People's Parking Protest, said: “If the council is not prepared to put attendants in the area all day then cameras are only way they could enforce restrictions.”

Any work will follow on from recent changes to East Street which has made it easier for people walking towards the seafront.

Last night, businesses in the area were generally supportive of the idea.

Jeweller Jeremy Hoye, who owns a business in Ship Street, said: “It is the logical thing to do.

“It would not pose a problem for motorists because parking outside our store is a difficulty anyway - it is really expensive to park on the street and there is usually one of those big bins or a lorry in the way.”

For more details visit www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/oldtown or call 01273 290000.