A crackdown on “aggressive” parking policies has been welcomed by a motorist pressure group.

Drivers are being “clobbered from every angle” by over-zealous speed limits and charges, according to Unchain the Brighton Motorist.

Brighton and Hove City Council has to stop treating motorists as “second- class citizens”, the group warned.

Under new Government proposals, councils would be banned from using CCTV to enforce parking, motorists will get compensation for unfair fines and unnecessary double yellow lines would be reviewed.

John Streeter, deputy chairman of Streamline Taxis, said: “This council regards motorists not just as second- class citizens but as soft touches to clobber for cash. Unchain the Brighton Motorist says it’s got to stop – motorists are people too.”
 

The city council made a surplus of £15m in parking revenue last year – the highest of any local authority outside of London.

Experts have warned aggressive parking policies are harming town centre high streets and independent shops.

Secretary of State for Transport Patrick McLoughlin said: “Arbitrary parking rules force shoppers online or to out of town stores, causing lasting damage to local firms and small shops.”

The city council approved CCTV enforcement for the most serious types of parking contraventions in November 2011.

Cameras are installed in North Street, Western Road, London Road and Lewes Road – places the council said had the biggest implication on traffic congestion.

A council spokeswoman said: “CCTV enforcement for parking is used sparingly in Brighton and Hove for the most serious types of contravention such as parking at bus stops and pedestrian crossings or causing interruption to traffic flow on transport corridors.

“The city does not use CCTV cars to enforce parking.

“The council gave out 8,145 such penalty charge notices (PCNs) last year, mainly along the North Street Western Road corridor, out of the 114,000 issued.

“Parking operations in the city aim to balance demands from residents, businesses and visitors to enable economic growth and keep the city moving.

“Where a surplus is generated, this is managed and spent in accordance with legal requirements.”