Drivers are turning a neighbourhood into a rat-run as they vie for parking spaces.

People living in the Preston area of Brighton say the lack of parking regulations is encouraging motorists to drive erratically.

They are demanding action to prevent frustrated motorists causing a serious accident.

They say new parking rules introduced in other parts of Brighton and Hove have added to their misery as drivers try to find a spot where they do not have to pay, such as the mainly regulation-free area of Preston.

The worst affected roads are Exeter Street, Port Hall Road, Upper Hamilton Road, Chatsworth Road, Lancaster Road, Coventry Street and Stafford Road.

Landlady Maureen Devay said drivers simply "abandoned the highway code" as they tried to find a free parking spot within walking distance of Seven Dials and Brighton station.

She said during the morning rush hour, drivers were often seen doing circuits of the area trying to find somewhere to park where they will not get charged.

Mrs Devay, who runs the Marquis of Exeter pub in Upper Hamilton Road, said her punters were so fed up with the problems it was all they ever talked about.

She said: "After four, five or six laps, drivers realise they are late for work and begin to lose patience, so they move even faster on the next lap.

"There is bound to be an accident one day, the roads have become a lethal rat-run with people double-parked everywhere. It's madness."

The problem worsened in March when a controlled parking zone was introduced in the Goldsmid Road area a short distance away.

Peter Golton is chair of the Prestonville Community Association, which has been pressuring the council to implement parking restrictions.

He said: "It has to be seen to be believed, we are not just whinging for the sake of it, the situation is really bad.

"It is extremely dangerous, that is why people are getting so upset about it. You will frequently see cars turning into one side street than backing out of it moments later.

"Drivers get so frustrated because they are not getting where they want to go, so when they finally see a space they put their foot down."

Brighton and Hove City Council has earmarked controlled parking zones in the Preston area for later this year.

Newly-elected ward councillor Juliet McCaffery said: "The residents have my sympathies because I know first-hand how difficult it is.

"I understand controlled parking is being introduced to the area but it will be very difficult to find a solution that suits everyone."