MORE than two-thirds of people support a series of environmentally-friendly changes to transport systems in Brighton and Hove, a poll has shown.

A total of 67 per cent of respondents to an Argus survey said they thought measures such as a car-free city centre and the development of dedicated new cycling networks would improve the city centre.

These ideas were among ten proposals made to Brighton and Hove City Council by its first Climate Assembly.

The Argus: Transport networks in Brighton and Hove City Centre could prioritise bikes, public transport and active travel over carsTransport networks in Brighton and Hove City Centre could prioritise bikes, public transport and active travel over cars

A group of 50 randomly selected residents were tasked with learning about climate issues, discussing them and making recommendations to the authority on changes that could be made in Brighton and Hove to lessen the city's impact on the environment.

The assembly put forward ten measures designed to reduce transport-related carbon emissions in the city.

These largely focused on a move from private car use to active travel in Brighton and Hove.

Here is the full list in order of priority:

1. A car-free city centre

2. The public transport system should be affordable and accessible

3. Creation of healthier, low traffic or pedestrianised communities

4. The council should actively consult and engage with the community

5. Introduce mobility hubs (recognisable places connecting up different types of travel – for example cycle hire, train station, parking and transport information)  

6. Cyclists should be prioritised over cars through well-designed dedicated cycling networks that are safe and practical for day-to-day use as well as leisure

7. Introduce a 'park and ride' to minimise car use in the city

8. Make public transport a more convenient alternative to driving a car

9. Messaging should focus on what people gain rather than lose and educate or expand knowledge

10. There should be a focus on incentives rather than sanctions as interventions

The Argus: Brighton and Hove City Council's climate assembly has made ten recommendationsBrighton and Hove City Council's climate assembly has made ten recommendations

The Argus ran a poll to find out what readers thought of the proposals, with the results returning overwhelmingly in favour of the recommendations.

Of the 3,149 answers received, 67 per cent or 2,114 agreed that the suggested measures would improve Brighton and Hove City Centre.

A further 32 per cent, 1,001 responses, thought the changes would not be a good move for the city while just one per cent, 34 votes, did not believe Brighton and Hove would be any better or worse if the switches were made.

"The recommendations of the Climate Assembly will be considered by the city council as part of planned work on transport and climate change," a council spokesman said.

"Feedback from the assembly will help to inform to the city’s major transport and climate plans.

"These include the Local Transport Plan 5, the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan and the 2030 Carbon Neutral Plan.

"The assembly’s recommendation for a car-free city centre is being explored as part of plans to create a 'Liveable City Centre', which is being further considered by the city’s Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee."