The assertion that the city’s parking attendants are ‘overzealous’ is untrue and unfair (Argus, August 11).

Their firm but fair enforcement plays a crucial part in reducing congestion and helping residents to park near their homes. They also work jointly with the police and DVLA to clear the streets of abandoned and untaxed vehicles, freeing up more parking space.

Parking appeals in Brighton and Hove represent less than 1% of the tickets issued. Motorists can appeal to the council and have the right to take their case to the independent Traffic Penalty Tribunal. Last year 0.62% chose to appeal and about two thirds of the appeals were rejected or uncontested. So it is spurious to argue that the number of appeals is an indication that the service is not working well.

There is absolutely no evidence either that parking attendants have issued “numerous” tickets for “innocent” mistakes.

All attendants are trained to issue tickets fairly and to do a professional job. There are no incentives to issue more tickets. Indeed the Traffic Management Act 2004 makes such practices illegal.

The article argues that wardens are being “overzealous” in order that the council can “make money”. Even if that were true, how would bringing the service in-house change that?

Bringing the service in-house would cost taxpayers thousands of pounds more on their council tax bills as the council would have to set up the service from scratch.

Having a contract with an experienced operator like NSL is the most efficient and cost-effective way of providing the service and enables surplus revenue to be reinvested in transport improvements.

Councillor Geoffrey Theobald
cabinet member for environment
Brighton and Hove City Council