I can assure M. Davies that Brighton and Hove Council is determined to take action against illegal parking and that's why we are introducing controlled parking zones in parts of Brighton and Hove (Opinion, November 1).

At present, the council has no powers to crack down on illegal parking on double yellow lines or parking on bus stops as these matters are the responsibility of the police, who give them low priority.

M. Davies calls for parking wardens and fines to be brought back and that is exactly what will happen when the council takes over parking enforcement from the police next year. There will be a full team of parking attendants to tackle the problem and ensure better enforcement.

Illegal parking is bad news for everyone. It is dangerous, slows down buses and is a major cause of traffic congestion in Brighton and Hove. That's why the council is giving it top priority.

-John Ballance, Executive councillor for Environmental Services, Brighton and Hove Council