Light touch parking could remain in Brighton after residents' outrage

People were being consulted on whether to change current “light touch” parking restrictions to “full” all-day schemes.

Across five areas of Brighton and Hove, 82 per cent of people said they wanted the current parking restrictions to stay the same.

Councillor Trevor Muten, chairman of the transport and sustainability committee said: “We wish to thank residents for providing such a clear steer. We’ve listened very carefully to what they have had to say, and I’m pleased the report will recommend no change to these controlled parking zones.

“It’s vital that people in Brighton and Hove are listened to, especially when it comes to something like how parking is managed in the area where they live. Building our plans and budgets on residents’ feedback rather than assumptions provides a stronger foundation.

There were plans to change parking in several areas of the city including Elm Grove, pictured

“Residents’ parking is a big part of our city-wide parking review which will report later this year. We’re determined to make parking simpler, fairer and accessible for everyone.”

Residents, services and businesses in Zones L (Wish Park area), P (Hove Park area), S (Hanover and Elm Grove area), U (Coombe Road area) and W (West Hove) were consulted.

Ann Ellis, who lives in Rothbury Road, Hove, told The Argus in December that the current arrangement “suited everybody” and it felt like the plans were being “forced” on residents.

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The system in place now meant residents with permits for zones W and L, in Wish ward where Ann lives, could park freely in their permit zone at any time.

There are two hours each day where permit bays are restricted, between 10am and 11am and between 7pm and 8pm. At these times, people without residents' parking permits are not allowed to park there.

New plans meant people would either need a permit or would have to pay to park between 8am and 8pm Monday to Sunday.

There were 2,755 responses in total.

The transport committee will discuss the scheme and feedback on March 26.