COUNCIL transport managers are looking at whether Brighton and Hove could take part in Car Free Day next year after coming under growing pressure from councillors and campaigners.

Events have been held in previous years but this year no Car Free Day events were held in Brighton as campaigners focused their efforts on the global climate strike in September.

But in central London this year more than 16 miles of road were closed to mark Car Free Day.

A report to members of Brighton and Hove City Council said possible activities included a social campaign to discourage drivers from idling – and encouraging “eco-driving” to use fuel more efficiently.

In previous years, Car Free Day – which is held on September 22 each year – has been marked in Brighton by closing roads to traffic.

One-day closures of Ship Street, East Street and Bartholomews have been credited with leading to the permanent closure of the northern end of Ship Street and turning East Street into a pedestrian zone at weekends.

The report – to the council’s environment, transport and sustainability committee – said the council already tries to encourage and influence “changes in travel behaviour” in several ways.

These include promoting the BikeShare scheme and the Safer Routes To School programme.

In March, the council worked with Sustrans on traffic restrictions on the road outside St Luke’s Primary School in the Queen’s Park area as part of a trial for School Streets Day.

The aim was to reduce congestion and tackle poor air quality and the road safety concerns that are common to many schools during drop-off and pick-up times.

The council said it encouraged children to become healthier through more active travel.

Its current three-year Access For Sustainable Travel Programme is funded with almost £1.5 million from the Government and it is seeking money for a fourth year.

The same report noted that Rottingdean Parish Council had held Clean Air Day events for the past two years.

And it suggests that Brighton and Hove officials hold discussions with the parish council about working jointly on an event next June.

The environment, transport and sustainability committee is due to meet at Hove Town Hall on Tuesday.

The meeting is scheduled to start at 4pm and should be open to the public.