There is no denying it is one of the most spectacular views in Sussex.

Piers flank the broad sweep of sea which reaches out to the horizon, as waves and sky meld into one.

But despite its undeniable beauty this is a vista which has, for some motorists, lost some of its magic in recent weeks.

A contraflow on Brighton seafront has caused horrific tailbacks and jams as the holiday season gets in to full swing.

King's Road has frequently ground to a halt triggering road chaos across the city.

Additional repairs to the A23 near Preston Drove add to the delays with the resulting queues stretching impressively out of the city to Pyecombe at rush hour.

Now, not before time according to some critics, Brighton and Hove City Council is pondering the previously unthinkable: banning roadworks in high season.

Councillors have agreed to launch a study into the timing of roadworks, to establish if there is any way the roads could be kept snarl-up free during peak months.

The decision was taken in response to a motion submitted by Tory leader Brian Oxley.

He said: "Two or three weeks ago it was bedlam in town and it will be again. It is badly congested.

"This is not the first year it has happened. It certainly went on last year and the year before. The problem is we want people to visit Brighton and we want them to come back again.

"The suggestions we made were to move roadworks to other times of the year or to move them to other times of the day."

Coun Oxley said the gridlock had a serious impact on tourism, not only on tourists visiting the city but on businesses trying to cater for tourists who could not travel around to pick up goods or sell services.

He said: "When we get the report we can have a look at it and move forward. It isn't going to be a magic wand but we have got the process moving."

Roger McArthur, a builder and a member of Traders Against Parking Persecution, was more forthright.

He said: "It's an absolute nightmare. It's making life very difficult, especially when you have to go out of town.

"Last Saturday I spent and hour and a half sitting on the seafront by the Palace Pier stuck in traffic."

He said: "It's ridiculous doing this in summer. People that are coming to visit are going to wonder what the hell is going on when all these things should be done in the winter."

Labour transport spokesman Simon Battle said some work could only be completed in the summer when materials set more quickly but said some work could be done in the evenings.

A council spokeswoman said a report would be produced and presented to the policy and resources committee in the next few months.

She said the timing of roadworks was often dependent on coordinating with other utilities such as water and electricity companies as well as weather conditions which meant certain work was not possible at some times during the year.

She said: "We are taking this very seriously and there is a lot to take into account.

"There are only certain times of the year when certain surfaces can be laid and there are all the planning and financial implications to take into account.

"The council is taking on board what people are saying and very responsive to that."

Until then, enjoy the view.