It is an annoyance for many and an absolute pain for many more.

But what do you think really about parking in Brighton and Hove?

A year after Brighton and Hove City Council promised a review into the contentious issue, it is finally sending out questionnaires to about 6,000 properties and firms.

The local authority, which is paying private consultants £25,000 to help with the review, claims it will allow it to strike a balance between the needs of a growing population, businesses and tourists.

However, among the questions, there is no mention about pricing and whether people believe the current system is affordable.

Critics have labelled it a “token gesture” and questioned what difference it will actually make to the Green administration plans.

Green councillor Matt Follett, deputy chairman of the transport committee, said: “We have a growing population with limited parking space as well as being a popular tourist destination, so managing parking is a complex issue for the city.

“We are looking at the different parking schemes in the city to ensure a fair balance between the needs of residents, businesses and visitors.

“This is an opportunity for people to tell us what they think about the effectiveness and impact of current parking schemes and about their own experiences of parking in the city.”

Parking protest

But Steve Percy, of the People’s Parking Protest, said: “Some of the questions appear to be absolutely stupid.

“The interesting thing is why they are not asking about pricing.

“From my experience the powers that be are trying to drive out the car and move towards sustainable transport.

“Any changes they make will be geared towards this.

“It’s taking with one hand and giving with the other.”

The questionnaire will be sent out to random addresses on Monday.

A separate online survey has also been set up which is open to everyone with internet access.

Resident parking zones and enforcement are among those issues raised.

People will also be asked their views on car clubs, electric vehicle parking, cycle and motorcycle parking.

Responses must be received by October 26 and the results will be discussed at the council’s transport committee meeting in January Conservative councillor Geoffrey Theobald said: “Before the review has even finished, the Greens are continuing with the piecemeal imposition of new controlled parking zones which will simply put even greater pressure on areas where parking is still free, such as Hanover.

“In my view, the Greens see parking as a cash cow and are trying to cover the whole city by stealth. This parking review is just a token gesture.”

Labour councillor Gill Mitchell said: “Instead of paying private consultants thousands of pounds to tell them what they already know, the Greens should spend the money on fully funding school bus routes and not expect parents to pay additional charges to get their kids safely to school.”

For more details call 01273 365425 or email citywideparkingreview@mottmac.com .

Questions asked:

Open ended questions are:

How well do resident parking schemes work for a) residents and guests; b) visitors and businesses; c) blue badge holders; d) emergency vehicles.

What is the level of availability of parking spaces for residents/ visitors during a) day; b) night; c) weekend: How many and what types of vehicles do you have in your household?

What is your usual mode of travel around the city?

The unasked question:

As the council is not asking about parking prices as part of its questionnaire, The Argus decided to help the administration out.

We are asking residents and traders to tell us what they think of parking prices by leaving a comment or writing to our letters page by emailing letters@theargus.co.uk

We will then collect these responses and send them to the council by October 26.