Drivers who park on a well-used public space will soon be fined, the council has warned. 

Motorists began robbing residents of St Peter's Square in front of St Peter's Church in York Place, Brighton, when they parked their cars for free there last year. 

The square regularly hosts skate competitions and recent events have included a football fan zone for the European Championships and Brighton Fringe venues.

But now the space has been vacated for residents to use it once again, motorists have taken the opportunity to park for free in the city centre once again.

They have to drive over a cycle lane and pedestrian walkway, or down a bus and taxi lane to get onto the site. 

READ MORE: Drivers using grass by city's park as 'their own free private car park'

Last year Brighton and Hove City Council, which owns the land, put up no parking signs which were pulled down by drivers.

Skaters were furious with this, including Kiki La Hula who previously said: “It is a massive shame. As a local professional skater, there is nowhere for me to train properly.

“Even my local leisure centre has changed its floor recently to a grippy surface. I can't spin on even with my hardest wheels.

“Lots of us skaters loved this space. Most people would say there's plenty of space on the seafront but that's only if you want to just cruise up and down in a straight line, not learn tricks."

Now, the council is cracking down on the parking and has pledged to introduce fines for rule-breaking motorists. 

A spokesman for Brighton and Hove City Council said: “We are aware cars have once again started parking at St Peter’s Church and we are determined to put a stop to this as soon as possible.

“We have listened to residents and understand how frustrating people find the parking on this site and will be adding this area to one of our contracts with a private enforcement company.

“This will come into effect soon and anyone subsequently parking on the site will be fined.

“In the meantime, we would encourage residents and visitors to please refrain from parking here.”