A transport pressure group's call for congestion charges like London's to be extended to Brighton and Hove has been rejected by the city council.

Transport 2000, which supports sustainable transport, said all the benefits felt in the capital could also apply to Sussex's busiest city.

It is 12 months today since London's charging scheme began.

Richard Bourn, one of Transport 2000's campaigners, said: "There is wide agreement about the transport benefits the charge has brought.

"I am convinced congestion charging could be as big a success in Brighton and Hove."

Mr Bourn said Brighton and Hove's advantage over London would be its smaller size, meaning there would be less room for the errors, which have seen many people being wrongly-charged in the capital.

He has been backed by environment groups, including Friends of the Earth and the Green Party.

Green city councillor Keith Taylor said: "Cities all around the world are looking at examples of the system in London.

"I would certainly think there is more work to be done in reducing levels of traffic. I would point to the success congestion charging has delivered and say Brighton and Hove needs to be thinking about this."

Average speeds in London's congestion charging zone have increased by 2mph.

The Government's policy document Managing Our Roads says: "The initial results from London are encouraging and, given that experience, it may be timely for local authorities in urban areas to review their position on anti-congestion measures, including charging schemes."

Colin Murray, of Transport 2000 South-East, said: "The Government has accepted the argument, so why doesn't Brighton and Hove?

"There really isn't any argument here unless people are saying they want to work with worse urban congestion."

However, Brighton and Hove City Council last night ruled out congestion charging, saying journeys by private car into the city had reduced by 12 per cent in less than four years.

Transport spokesman Simon Battle said: "Tackling congestion is the council's top transport priority.

"But the city has a good track record in implementing measures to encourage sustainable transport and has more initiatives planned.

"Congestion charging should not be considered in isolation and certainly not without a suitable park and ride site.

"One of the biggest successes has come from the investment in improved bus services and information.

"This has led to five per cent more people taking the bus year on year, bucking the national trend."

Congestion in Brighton and Hove is already lower than in towns or cities of similar size, according to transport ministers.

The council is awaiting the results of a search for park and ride sites to encourage motorists to leave their cars on the outskirts of the city.

But those who still need to drive into the centre are to benefit from digital road signs to be switched on in two weeks, which will give information about delays.

A web site giving real-time advice is also planned.

Tuesday February 17, 2004