New Brighton controlled parking zone shifts problem on

Parking rage may be a thing of the past in the Ditchling Rise area.

New parking restrictions came into force on Monday 27 September.

Now the problem has shifted north of London Road Station and west to Roundhill.

Streets in the London Road Station area between Viaduct Road and Ditchling Rise are clear of cars for much of the day since Brighton and Hove City Council brought residents parking and pay and display bays into force.

The restrictions came in after a five-year campaign by residents in the Viaduct Rise area, resulting in a majority vote in favour of a controlled parking zone.

Kathy Laird, who lives in Princes Crescent, braced herself for the impact of parking restrictions once she saw the markings and signs appear in Ditchling Rise.

She said: “I saw the signs and thought ‘wait for it’ and then watched the cars moving in the day it started.

“I’ve never seen anything like it.

“During the day you used to have free reign but it could be difficult at night.

“Some people are starting to get angry now.”

Throughout the consultation period Kathy attended a number of meetings, listening to all sides of the argument and voted for an alternative option.

“I understand something must be done.

“Lots of people I have spoken to said they voted against the scheme in this area because they thought they would pay out and still not be able to park but they would vote for it now.”

She also feels that the parking issue in Roundhill could improve a little if people parked their cars closer together rather than leave substantial gaps between vehicles.

Robert Rosenthal and his neighbours in Southdown Avenue have experienced the impact of long-term parking moving over the railway line.

Camper van owners cannot apply for permits and Mr Rosenthal recognises vehicles which used to be parked in Shaftesbury Road and are now in his street.

He said: “Camper vans parked up for months in Shaftesbury Road are now in our street and there are three other cars clearly here for the long term.

“It’s chocker all the way up the road now.”

Speaking to councillors in November 2009 and July this year, he suggested free inner and outer Brighton parking zones, with residents paying a premium for second and third cars, and an out-of-town camper van parking area.

This would remove the lettered zones throughout the city and include compensation for car-free households.

Despite positive noises from some councillors Mr Rosenthal is still waiting for a response to his proposals.

However,  it will be years until people living in Roundhill and north of London Road Station will have the chance to vote again on controlled parking zones.

Keep up with Mr Rosenthal’s parking blog at communitycarparking.wordpress.com.