A NEW scheme to control town centre parking will create up to 90 new jobs.

Brighton and Hove Council says setting up the new scheme will cost more than £2 million, but will be well worth the cash to cut down on illegal parking which costs Brighton and Hove Buses alone £500,000 a year.

Between 60 and 90 jobs will be created, although exact number will depend on how many zones are included. It is also likely that two parking shops will be set up in the town centres of Brighton and Hove where people will be able to pay fines, buy permits and ask questions about parking.

The council intends to take over traffic enforcement from the police next year. Changes to parking schemes and the introduction of new ones would be part of the change-over process.

The policy and resources committee on Wednesday is being recommended to contract out some services, including the operation of the scheme on the streets, to specialist firms.

But Liberal Democrat councillor Paul Elgood said: "There is concern that, after so much investment in consultation, direct control of parking will be outside the council.

"I strongly feel we need direct control of day-to-day operations and not a repeat of the Sita rubbish collection contract."