The deadline has closed on a consultation over a controversial transport policy.

Brighton and Hove City Council has been seeking views on a programmeto introduce 20mph speed limits in the city.

Since the consultation was launched in September, nearly 13,000 people have commented on the proposal, to include areas including Kemp Town, Moulsecoomb and Bevendean, and parts of Portslade, Hangleton, Withdean, Hollingbury and Patcham.

The local authority has claimed the plans are needed to reduce air pollution and improve road safety.

On Thursday night, Brighton and Hove Friends of the Earth (BHFOE) backed the council’s plans and said opponents were making “a mountain out of a molehill”.

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Chris Todd, from BHFOE, said: “There is a lot of evidence that 20mph zones increase safety and have significant health and economic benefits.

“While we are strongly backing the proposals, we would like to see some changes.

“There are a few roads, currently excluded from the proposals, which should become 20mph.

“However, there are important bus routes which we feel should remain at 30mph.

“We believe that this balanced and pragmatic approach is the way forward.

“There has been a lot of misinformation about the proposals, including several full page adverts, often giving the impression that a blanket 20mph speed limit was being proposed across the city, when it wasn’t.”

Streamline Taxis boss John Streeter, from Unchain the Brighton Motorist group, which is opposed to the council’s plans, has called on the city council to rule out extending its policy to seven roads in the city – Shirley Drive, Eastern Road, Portland Road, Roedean Road, Carden Avenue, Braybon Avenue and Carden Hill.

The group claims a 20mph limit across large parts of the city would leave drivers distracted from where a 20mph speed limit is vitally important, such as near hospitals, schools and residential streets. It also denies it will cut carbon emissions.

However, Mr Streeter said he did welcome some of the comments from BHFOE.

He said: “Unchain the Brighton Motorist welcomes the fact that Brighton and Hove Friends of the Earth want to keep at 30mph many roads not included in the council’s flawed consultation – roads such as Winfield Avenue, Arundel Road north of Eastern Road, and the whole length of Carden Avenue, not just the top section.”

A council spokeswoman said: “The council is committed to making the roads in the city safer for everyone, and we are continuing to listen to all views as part of the consultation.”