Part of the North Laine in Brighton is to be pedestrianised on Saturdays.

Traffic is to be barred from Sydney Street following years of lobbying from traders in the bohemian shopping area.

It is hoped the trial project, expected to come into force on August 19, will boost the 'laid-back' image of the area and attract more visitors.

The initiative was sparked by a survey by the North Laine Traders Association which showed 83 per cent of the shopkeepers questioned in Sydney Street wanted cars to be banned on Saturdays.

In 1997, a traffic scheme was introduced which allowed only delivery vehicles in the street during the day but motorists regularly flaunt the rule, which some traders say poses a danger to pedestrians.

Geoff Ellis, owner of the Bead Shop and member of the traders association, said: "There was a very strong feeling amongst traders that Sydney Street should be closed to traffic on Saturday.

"We put it to Brighton and Hove Council and they were very responsive and happy to go along with us.

"The initiative has come from the traders, from the grass roots up and all views have been canvassed.

"The street has a very leisurely feel to it.

"People browse and chill out in the cafes and pubs and spend time here.

"People already walk in the street and it can be quite dangerous as cars break the law and regularly drive down here.

"I think it will add to the laid-back flavour and the atmosphere of the North Laine."

Mr Ellis said there had been some objections about how the scheme would make deliveries difficult, but most traders were overwhelmingly in favour of pedestrianisation.

Brighton and Hove Council has obtained an 18-month traffic order and, during the first six months of the scheme, will listen to the views of locals before deciding whether to make it permanent.

Bollards will be put in place at the junctions with Trafalgar Street and Whitecross Street between 10am and 5pm on Saturdays.

Paul Reading, owner of Plate Expectations in Gardner Street, where Saturday pedestrianisation is already enforced, said: "Some people are feeling a bit unhappy about the itinerant street traders who turn up and squat on the street, but the vast majority are in favour of pedestrianisation and some even want it on a Sunday as well.

"We get an awful lot of people here from London on a Saturday and you can hear them saying how they like being able to walk around."