The gateway to Brighton and Hove is being given a £2.2 million makeover to give drivers a better - and less congested - welcome.

Brighton and Hove City Council is going ahead with the latest phases of work on the A23 near Preston Park.

The environment committee will on Thursday, be asked to approve plans for improvements to the route south of Cumberland Road.

The latest plans include putting in bus and cycle lanes and a pedestrian refuge. The road will also be widened.

Engineers want to keep the traffic flows going while making the road easier for people travelling by bus, foot or bike.

The owners of the Shell petrol station will be asked if they are prepared to sell a small piece of garage land needed for the improvements.

Two trees will have to be felled to fit in the new bus and cycle lanes but they will be replaced in the area by 18 new trees.

Highways manager Mark Prior, said improvements were needed to the A23 south of the bypass as it was the main route into the city.

He said: "It suffers from heavy traffic flows and congestion during the busiest times in the morning and evening peaks and throughout the summer, particularly when there are major events or conferences."

The roundabout junction was given a new look last year when the Sixties-styled "Welcome to Brighton" sign was ripped up in favour of a flower bed.

Ecovert South's modern £8,000 sign was branded an eyesore soon after it was built.

Last year, the block lettering was replaced by silver-leaved plants spelling out the welcome message from a bed of polyanthuses.