Homeowners in a busy shopping district say proposed parking changes could turn their roads into permanent car parks for shoppers.

Members of North Laine Community Association (NLCA) said plans to replace Brighton and Hove's eight city centre parking zones with a north and south zone will increase the number of people parking in their roads.

They are concerned people living on the edge of the current zones will legally be able to park much more centrally, meaning the homeowners themselves will no long be able to park.

They have called the possibility "internal commuting".

Speaking at a meeting with Brighton and Hove City Council parking officials last night, Anna Gianfrancesco, of Tichbourne Street, Brighton, said: "My concern is I will never get parked near my house and I will end up having to park all the way down on Western Road.

"I have a bad back, it's not bad enough to get a disability badge but bad enough that I can't walk a long way. I agree something needs to be done but it has to be appropriate."

Currently drivers need a specific Area G permit to park in the densely-populated North Laine and there is a long waiting list to get one.

But under proposals put forward by the city council, the North Laine could become part of one large north parking zone stretching past the Level to Viaduct Road.

Anyone living in the zone could be able to buy permits to park anywhere inside it - including the North Laine.

Sarah Dunsmure, chairwoman of the NLCA, said: "The problem is we are so central and so close to the station, shops, pubs and theatres the new parking scheme will be open to abuse."

The council said the current zone system is too restrictive and the restructuring will make it easier for people to park near their homes and businesses.

Other proposed changes include ending free parking and voucher parking and replacing all two-hour and four-hour bays with shared residents' permit and pay and display bays and extending restrictions to Sundays.

Richard Bennett, head of highway management, spoke to residents before Charles Field, a traffic regulation engineer for the city council, said: "The current system is quite confusing for visitors and even residents.

"We are at a consultation stage and we are listening to what people have to say. They may have a better solution."

Dozens of residents attended last night's monthly NLCA meeting held at the Brighthelm Centre in North Road.

Information packs about the review have been sent to all residents and traders in central Brighton and they have until October 31 to respond.