Liberal Democrats are stepping up their fight to reintroduce trams in the city.

They want parking profits to be used to fund the scheme and have tabled a motion for a study into the idea, which will go before Brighton and Hove City Council on Thursday.

Lib Dems want the findings put before the people in a referendum on local election day next year.

The study would be produced by a task group consisting of local and national experts.

They would decide if a public/private consortium could be brought together to fund the project and whether any government funds would be available.

The study would also examine the impact on congestion and existing public transport in the area.

Liberal Democrat leader Paul Elgood said: "We have to deal with the gridlock in the centre in the interest of residents and businesses alike.

"Trams would be the only effective solution."