A Liberal Democrat call for free parking in Brighton and Hove on Sundays has won some support from Labour and Conservative councillors.

A petition to waive parking fees for motorists one day a week collected 1,282 signatures and was presented to Brighton and Hove City Council’s full council meeting last night.

Liberal Democrat campaigner Jeremy Gale, who presented the petition, said introducing the measure would help the local economy by encouraging people to visit the area, and would save residents money.

In opposition to the plans, Green councillor Ian Davey said: “Far from improving the local economy, it is far more likely free parking would cause significant long-term damage.”

Despite councillors at Hove Town Hall last night claiming they could not support a blanket introduction, Conservative members agreed for the proposal to be discussed at the council’s policy and resources committee and for a full report to be compiled by a council officer investigating the cost of the scheme.

Conservative councillor Graham Cox said: “We’re not able to support the idea that there should be blanket free car parking on Sunday.

“But I think there’s some space for under-used car parks like Norton Road.”

The party was supported by Labour’s Gill Mitchell.

The Conservative amendment to refer the issue to a future committee was passed by 29 votes to 21.

Following the decision Mr Gale labelled the outcome “the best result”.

He said: “The amendment allows officers to go away and determine the costs both in terms of full free Sunday parking but also for partial measures. It’s a clear indication that despite having no political representation in the city the Lib Dems are still setting the agenda.

“The council has no control over the price of bus or train tickets and we have seen this week that yet another increase in bus fares is planned. So the council needs to tackle the only area where it can exercise control, the cost of parking.”