Today, the environment transport and sustainability committee are likely to vote to implement the new controlled parking Zone E, effecting the Matlock, Maldon and Tivoli areas east of Preston Park Station, following a recommendation from council officers to introduce the scheme.

The council recently undertook a second round of consultation in the area. Of people taking part in the process, 69% rejected the council’s proposed parking scheme.

Yet despite this overwhelming rejection of the plans, the council seems intent on pushing ahead against the clear wishes of the majority of local residents.

This situation is astounding and raises important questions, firstly, concerning the relevance of any public consultation by the local authority, because surely it is only of benefit if you intend to take notice of it and act on the results?

Secondly, what has happened to democracy? I thought the people with the most votes won the debate, clearly this is not the case with the officers and elected members of Brighton and Hove City Council, who wriggle like worms on a fishing line to find lame excuses for not carrying out the wishes of the people they purport to represent.

The elected members voting on this issue today have the opportunity to reaffirm our faith in the democratic principles we all hold so dear. Let us see if they share our beliefs and uphold the will of the people.

Chantal Lonsdale, Tivoli Crescent North, Brighton