Two zones could replace existing residential parking schemes

Brighton and Hove City Council currently has nearly 1,000 residents on a waiting list for permits.

However, the new plans will reduce that number by merging pay and display bays with residents' bays and by simplifying the existing zoning system.

The council is considering the issue on Thursday, and if approved, it will go out to public consultation.

The proposals include replacing the existing eight residential parking schemes with two zones designated as south central and north central.

'Tackle inconsistencies'

There would be no free parking bays anywhere in central Brighton, and voucher parking will cease to exist.

Cllr Craig Turton, deputy chair of the environment committee and transport spokesman, said: "We intend to find solutions to on-street parking problems... that will meet the needs of residents, businesses and residents' visitors.

"We need to tackle the inconsistencies of voucher parking, free bays, pricing and payment, boundaries of existing zones and the level of enforcement."

He said the council would "listen very carefully" to what those who live and operate businesses in the area had to say.

Members of the public will be invited to take part in a nine-week consultation at the beginning of next year, before the plans are finalised.