Hundreds back plan for free parking on Sundays

Plans to make parking free on Sundays throughout Brighton and Hove will be discussed in the council chamber.

A petition to scrap the tariffs in Brighton and Hove City Council-owned car parks and street bays was launched by local Liberal Democrat members last year.

After months of campaigning, the petition now has more than 1,250 signatures – meaning it triggers a debate at a meeting of all 54 councillors on March 27 in Hove Town Hall.

Jeremy Gale, who has led the campaign, said: “Scrapping Sunday parking charges will encourage people to visit Brighton and Hove and spend their money in the shops and with retailers across our city, helping our local economy to prosper.

“Not only do our plans help businesses – they will save residents money as well allowing them to travel across the city, visiting friends or family, safe in the knowledge that they will not be charged for on street parking.

“That said, I urge councillors from across the chamber to fully engage in the debate the signatures of the petition have triggered.”

Mr Gale claimed last year the local authority raised £16.25 million through parking revenues and fines, the highest anywhere outside of London.

The Lib Dems currently have no representation on the local authority so it will be up to Green, Conservative and Labour councillors, as well as the one independent member, to decide if any action is taken.