It is clear that Brighton and Hove City Council has for some time been waging war against the motorist.

Never was this better illustrated than in Hove.

Firstly, there was the introduction of parking charges. This deliberately targeted the workers, as there were precious few 10-hour bays allocated.

Then came the widening of the zones, followed by the Tesco car park fiasco.

Now it appears that the offensive has sunk to new depths. Having searched for ten minutes to find an elusive long-stay space, I duly parked and paid the requisite fee.

On my return in the evening I had received a ticket for being four inches over the white line. I will pay the fine, as I have no doubt the pedantic, over-zealous warden was "only following council policy."

I hope they will use the £30 wisely, as I have now instructed my national company to withdraw from all council initiatives and to decline their requests for sponsorship or support, financial or otherwise. It may be a small gesture but, if other aggrieved motorists followed suit, perhaps the idea of a council serving its community might return.

K C Talbot

-Linchmere Avenue, Saltdean