A CAR-FREE city, would it be heaven or hell?

That was the question up for debate at the Brighton and Hove Chamber of Commerce this week and it stimulated some interesting conversation.

It was interesting to see how passionate those taking part in the debate were about the issue.

And it is clear how much people feel about the effect on their lives from the way they get around. The debate was meant to provoke strong opinions but the likelihood of an all out ban is small.

But it was interesting to see what benefits and drawbacks could be perceived in the plan and most were agreed that everyone’s lives, even those of drivers, would be improved if we used cars less.

The important thing is not to make it impossible to use the car around Brighton and Hove but to make the bus, the bike and walking more attractive.

It’s no easy thing to break in-built habits, especially on a windy and wet Tuesday night run to the shops.

But we will have to break those habits to turn us all from the car to more healthy and environmentally friendly options.