FREE parking and the suspension of “non-urgent roadworks” are being proposed for the run-up to Christmas.

Conservative councillors at Brighton and Hove City Council are proposing the free parking for four days in December and a month-long suspension of the non-urgent roadworks.

But the move has been labelled “irresponsible” by Green councillors who say that the move could cost the council tens of thousands in lost parking revenue.

Conservative group leader Geoffrey Theobald will bring the motion before Thursday’s full council meeting.

He is calling on council officers to draw up plans for free parking at council car parks on Small Business Saturday on December 6 and three Sundays before Christmas – December 7, 14 and 21.

It is proposed that Norton Road, London Road, Regency Square, High Street and Trafalgar Street car parks would all waive their charges on the selected days.

The move is a reprisal of last year’s free parking scheme, which the Conservatives claim was “very much appreciated” by residents, visitors and businesses.

Coun Theobald said: “Last year’s free parking initiative, which we put forward, was pretty successful and very much appreciated by residents and visitors, as well as local businesses. Therefore, we would like to see it repeated again this Christmas to help us compete against other places which don’t have the same reputation for rip-off parking charges.”

Last year, shoppers were treated to free parking at five council-owned car parks on the weekends of December 7 and 8, 14 and 15 and Sunday, December 23.

Councillor Ian Davey, lead member for transport, said the free parking last year cost the city £50,000 in lost revenue.

Coun Davey said that with the majority of city visitors coming by public transport, the emphasis should be on convincing bus and rail companies to get people in quicker and cheaper.

He said: “For the Conservatives to propose this again whilst their Government continues to squeeze local services is irresponsible.”

But the proposals are being backed by Labour. Councillor Gill Mitchell said: “We want to do all we can to support local traders at Christmas.”