Streets outside Brighton and Hove's new parking zones have been thrown into chaos, say councillors.

Hundreds of permit and pay-and-display bays in Hove remain empty while residential streets bordering the zones are packed with commuter cars.

Residents have complained to councillors that they cannot park in their own streets during the day.

The complaints have prompted requests for Brighton and Hove City Council to look into the knock-on effect of the parking regulations, introduced in July.

Opposition leader Councillor Brian Oxley said: "Many motorists coming into the town centre are refusing to pay for parking, permits or otherwise.

"As a result, areas like the Pembrokes, Princes Square and other roads in my Westbourne ward are packed with commuter cars.

"Residents have complained that they are reluctant to use their cars during the day because they won't be able to park again when they return.

"We have organised a meeting with council officers to see if a solution can be found to the problem.

"The very last thing we want, though, is for permit parking to be extended into Westbourne."

Similar problems are being experienced by residents in Goldsmid ward, which includes Hove station.

Coun Jenny Langston led a successful campaign against permit parking being extended into Goldsmid.

But streets in the area are now clogged with people determined to avoid paying charges in the central parking zone.

She said double parking and parking on yellow lines had increased and better enforcement of traffic regulations was urgently needed.

Coun Langston said the problems were made worse by drivers cutting through Wilbury Crescent to avoid traffic lights at The Drive.

She has written to traffic manager Peter Bloxham asking him to confirm a review of parking in Goldsmid will go ahead, as promised, six months after new regulations were introduced.