I am shocked by the irresponsibility of some Liberal Democrat and Conservative councillors in defending the ill-timed and emotive comments of Superintendent Cox on the new parking system.

Whenever was an initiative to control parking ever universally popular or welcome?

Some dissatisfaction is inevitable. It is nevertheless not the place of those in authority to suggest that rage or backlash should be acceptable responses.

Illegal parking is a habit of selfish, irresponsible and, therefore, dangerous drivers. It is as unacceptable as driving without road tax, speeding or drink-driving.

Blocked roads and pavements are not only a hazard for young families with pushchairs and elderly pedestrians but an affront to other considerate and law-abiding drivers going about their legitimate business.

Having recently returned to Brighton, I am dismayed by how often the police turn a blind eye to dangerous parking and other motoring offences, even when reported directly to them by a member of the public.

Councillor Bodfish is right to criticise the lack of whole-hearted support for the council's efforts to bring some civilised order back to the streets. All councillors, whatever their persuasion, should endorse the new traffic scheme for the benefit of all Brighton and Hove residents, and the police, from the top down, must declare their unequivocal support.

-Jan Chalmers, Brighton