Doctor, doctor, why can’t I use these two parking spaces? Motorists have been driven round the bend over the bays in Wilbury Road, Hove, which they say are always empty.

The Hove Clinic, which had the two dedicated doctor spaces, relocated to new premises just a few doors away earlier this year.

But months later the spaces outside the property remain marked up – with motorists frightened to use them in case they are slapped with a £70 fine.

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The situation has caused confusion for some locals who claim the bays sit empty as they struggle to find a place to park in the road.

Seeking more than a GP’s diagnosis, one resident came to The Argus for some answers.

After some probing, The Argus can ease locals’ concerns and confirm that Brighton and Hove City Council is working to scrap the restricted bays in the coming weeks.

Hugh Palmer, who lives in Wilbury Road, said: “It’s just bizarre. People struggle to park in Hove at the best of times.

“I walked past again this morning and they are still empty. But this is a good result for local people.”

In response, a council spokeswoman said: “Surgeries can apply for up to two doctor’s bays as part of highway policy and we have a number of these throughout the city.

“The surgery in question moved further along the same road earlier this year notifying the council a few weeks later.

“An amendment traffic order was advertised in May and, in keeping with the process, any comments from the public to the amendment will be presented to the council’s environment, transport and sustainability committee on October 8.

“If approved, the bays will be moved as soon as possible after this date.”

Wilbury Road is in resident parking zone N with restrictions enforced between 9am and 8pm every day.

This means householders have to pay £120 every year to park outside their homes.

There is currently a waiting list of between two to three months for residents parking permits in this area.