THERE could be a “traffic tsunami” once lockdown is lifted, a climate group has warned.

It fears there will be a spike in Brighton caused by commuters driving to work rather than using public transport following the coronavirus crisis.

If social distancing and precautionary guidelines remain, people could be discouraged from using buses and trains.

A study commissioned by climate charity Possible, said there could be up to one million additional cars on the roads across the UK during rush hour, with Brighton one of the areas to be worst hit by the increase.

It claimed the city faces a 12 per cent rise in commuter car use.

But Max Wakefield, director of campaigns at Possible, said there was a simple solution.

He urged people to choose “active journeys” rather than driving for their commute – cycling, scooting or walking to work instead.

Mr Wakefield said: “If you need to travel then please stride or ride your journey to keep public transport safe, our streets healthy and key workers moving.

“It’s up to councils and the Government to make this as easy as possible by making roads safe.

“If we get this wrong we face a traffic tsunami with deadly effects.

“Get this right and we’ll unlock safer journeys, cleaner streets and real action on the climate crisis.”