Cars could be banned from a busy thoroughfare as part of plans to improve safety at a historic site.

The traffic flow at the southern part of Church Road, Hove, could be limited to buses where it passes Palmeira Square and the landmark floral clock.

Other traffic would be squeezed into the northern side of the island, one of the busiest roads in Hove, as part of improvements being considered for the whole of Church Road.

Brighton and Hove City Council asked consultants to draw up plans which would help cut the number of accidents and increase safety in the busy road.

The scheme includes a new road layout at the entrance to the Tesco store being built on the former gasworks site.

New build-outs would be provided on all side roads to make it easier for pedestrians to cross.

A central island would be provided along Church Road, with improved crossings at Second Avenue, Third Avenue and Hove Villas.

The piazza outside the town hall would be given a facelift and the footpath on the northern side of the road between Norton Road and George Street would be widened.

Vallance Road would be closed to improve safety at the new Tesco store entrance at the western end of Church Road.

The proposals have been drawn up by Birmingham-based consultants Owen Williams.

Residents and businesses will be asked for their views on the changes, which have been welcomed by local councillors.

Brunswick and Adelaide ward councillors have produced their own leaflet asking people what they think about the plans.

Councillor Paul Elgood, leader of the council's Liberal Democrats, said: "The floral clock is the jewel in Hove's crown and Church Road is the centrepiece of the town.

"Improvements to this area are long overdue and, on the whole, the proposals are welcome.

"They should increase both road safety and the attractiveness of the centre of urban Hove.

"Church Road has long been plagued by accidents and the improvements to junctions to improve safety for pedestrians is particularly welcome.

"We now need a thorough public consultation to ensure that there is widespread support for the proposals."