Part of a popular shopping street is in line to be pedestrianised.

Brighton and Hove City Council is considering redirecting traffic from the southern section of East Street, Brighton, to encourage people to walk between the beach and the Lanes.

Cars would be diverted along the small section of King’s Road, which connects East Street with the seafront.

The move is part of a programme to encourage walking and improve the look of the city centre.

About £730,000 has been set aside for the year ending next April and a further £500,000 for the following 12 months.

Consultation on improvements to Black Lion Street and King’s Road, between Middle Street and Brills Lane, has already begun.

The plans include a new pedestrian crossing for Black Lion Street and new pavements for King’s Road.

Now, Geoffrey Theobald, cabinet member for the environment, is being asked to approve the second stage, which will see cars banned from the southern section of East Street.

Part of the northern end is already traffic-free.

A report to the council meeting this Thursday reads: “Southbound traffic along East Street will be redirected along King’s Road to enhance the southern section of East Street for pedestrians and create an obvious route from the Lanes to the seafront.

“The solution will have no adverse effect on traffic flow.

“The scheme will increase accessibility for residents and visitors, particularly for the mobility impaired. Improving provision for walking will increase the overall transport choice for residents and visitors, particularly for those without cars.”

City centre manager Soozie Campbell said: “I like the idea of opening the road to draw people from the seafront into the Lanes, but why not do the whole street and make it like New Road?”

A loading bay will be created outside 75 to 79 East Street, with a pedestrian section further south. If agreed by Coun Theobald, a consultation will be held and an amended design, which takes into account the views of neighbours, presented for final approval in March 2009.