Brighton: Bizarre private parking signs in free council car park

New signs appear to have been installed by a private company in the free car park in Chelwood Close, Brighton.

Yet, Brighton and Hove City Council said it has no knowledge of the restrictions the official-looking signs advertise.

The signs were reported to them by concerned drivers, fearing they might be stung with a hefty fine.

The rules - purportedly enforced by a company called United Car Parking Services - are vaguely described on a yellow and black sign attached to a lamppost.

The parking in Chelwood Close (Image: Google)

The Argus has found the bizarre rules have no legal grounding - and the company behind the sign does not exist.

Even the phone number listed is fake, set aside by telecoms regulator Ofcom for television shows to use without inadvertently using one of a real business.

In fact, the metal sign is up for grabs on eBay for just £6.99.

The advert for the sign on digital marketplace eBay (Image: eBay)

Councillor Alistair McNair said people in the city are "already" worried about parking fines and this only contributes to the issue.

"Is it someone having a laugh?" he said. "It’s not very funny if so."

The wording on the sign appears deliberately unclear with no mention of what might lead to a penalty charge notice.

Cllr McNair said the council has not authorised the signs to be added or the rules enforced - and the parking area at the northern end of the road is still free to park in.

Councillor Trevor Muten, cabinet member for transport, parking and public realm, said: “These parking signs are not authorised and have not been put in place by anyone at the council.

“Where we become aware of these, we will remove them.”