In the context of Brighton and Hove's budget deficit, revenue from fixed penalty parking fines has become a major and very welcome lifeline for the council.

It does not matter that the revenue is ring-fenced. It takes pressure off other budgets.

But this does mean the council is justified in encouraging illegal parking.

It has no motive to review restrictions to see if they are appropriate to the needs of residents, businesses and visitors, since this could reduce its revenues.

The more difficult it is to park legally, the more people will park illegally and the council benefits from this.

Crime pays the council's bills.

Opposition parties on the council should press for the establishment of an independent audit and review panel which would look at all the restrictions currently in place, including double yellow-lines and space density in council car parks such as the King Alfred's.

The panel should be able to require the parking operations manager to show cause that such restrictions are necessary and, if not, the panel should ensure they are speedily amended or removed. "Speedily" means in two months, not two years.

Looking at the situation in other towns and cities, especially abroad, I am coming to the conclusion that most of this City's parking problems are being created and maintained by the council, which should find other ways to balance its books.

-Trevor Pateman, Brighton