Speed limits should be slashed to 20 MPH on most roads in Brighton and Hove, according to the region's Green Party Euro-MP Caroline Lucas.

The move - which has already been taken in other UK cities, most recently Portsmouth - would reduce accidents, improve safety, boost air quality and increase walking and cycling, according to experts

Caroline Lucas who is also the Greens' parliamentary candidate for Brighton Pavilion constituency at the next general election, said: "The cost of motoring is skyrocketting.

"As the city reels from another tragedy on our roads, now is the time to promote sustainable, safer and cheaper alternatives.

"Lots of people would cycle around Brighton and Hove if only they felt it was safe for them to do so - reducing the speed limit to 20 MPH would go a long way to achieving just that.

"Experts say making our roads safer by reducing traffic speeds is the best thing we can do to promote sustainable transport alternatives, particularly walking and cycling."

Caroline acknowledged that there were some 20mph limits within Brighton and Hove - near some schools and in some residential and city centre streets.

But she argued that Brighton and Hove should follow Portsmouth's example and apply the reduced limit to all roads except major routes.

"Currently, the rules are in disarray, impossible to predict, and often ignored.

"Taking a standard approach would make it easier for all drivers to understand and obey the rules, and that can only be a good thing for road safety.

"The bottom line is that speed kills and the difference between 30 and 20 MPH can be the difference between life and death for anyone involved in an accident."

Media: for more information please contact Lizzie Deane Green Party External Communications Coordinator on 07931 231390.