A PARKING scheme for residents will end a “dangerous parking hell”, according to councillors.

Green ward representative Stephanie Powell has urged Brighton and Hove City Council’s transport committee to back proposals to extend parking restrictions to the Baker’s Bottom area of the city.

The Queen’s Park councillor said years of inconsiderate parking had caused structural damage to residents’ homes, front doors being blocked, pushchair users being forced into the street and ambulances and fire engines restricted during emergencies.

The proposals to extend area restrictions into Bute Street, Rochester Street and Hendon Street as well as nearby Craven Vale were responded to by less than one-third of all residents during a consultation.

Of the 182 who did reply, 61% wanted an extension of the parking scheme, although a far greater majority – 77% of residents only in Baker’s Bottom – were in favour of introducing the scheme.

The scheme extension, to be discussed on Tuesday, would run at a loss of up to £3,000 a year as the annual income of £2,500 would not meet the borrowing repayment costs of the initial £25,000 needed to introduce the scheme.

Councillor Stephanie Powell said: “I’m so pleased to have been able to work with community groups to get this proposal so far, and I urge councillors on the committee to listen to what residents and the emergency services have said.”

Green councillor Pete West, chairman of the environment, transport and sustainability committee, said: “We only introduce residents’ parking schemes where there is clear support for them.”