Plans for more pedestrian-friendly streets have been put forward for the city.

The walking strategy for Brighton and Hove has being backed by the city council's environment committee and will go out for public consultation.

Its aim is to get as many people in the city walking as possible to boost health and cut down on traffic congestion.

Part of the strategy is to increase pedestrian areas in the old town and The Lanes, including Ship Street.

Proposals will be put forward for consultation next year.

Any scheme would have to be introduced in stages and access for delivery would have to be maintained.

The strategy suggests improvements could be made to Gardner Street, which is already closed to traffic during the day on Saturdays.

This could include removing parking to give pedestrians more room and make it part of a walking route, which already includes Bond Street, Kensington Gardens and Sydney Street.

There are plans to widen the pavement in Old Steine north of St James's Street, and improve the condition of pavements so they are safer to use.

Improvements are also proposed to the shopping centre in Boundary Road, Hove, and Station Road, Portslade.

This would reduce the impact of traffic and give greater priority to pedestrians.

Councillor Garry Peltzer Dunn said action was needed to prevent cyclists going down George Street in Hove when there were traffic restrictions.

Transport councillor Simon Battle said enforcement was not easy in George Street and said more pedestrian-priority schemes in the city would benefit all road users.