UNIONS are warning of festive free parking in Brighton and hove by the back door with the proposed strike by parking wardens.

The GMB has announced that parking wardens in Brighton and Hove have voted unanimously for strike action over a pay dispute with employers NSL.

Union officers are set to meet with the 70 staff who enforce parking restrictions on behalf of Brighton and Hove City Council to discuss the results of the official ballot and to plan dates for strike action if the employer does not improve the offer.

GMB regional officer Anne Chandler said: “These parking attendants in Brighton and Hove, lower paid workers with not great terms and conditions who work in all weathers and are subject to a lot of abuse, are determined to get a better deal from NSL Ltd and ultimately from Brighton and Hove City Council.

“There was an overwhelming turnout of the staff in the ballot and the vote for action was unanimous.

“The action will take place unless NSL Ltd offers the 4 per cent increase the members seek.

“I think there is every chance of days of free parking in Brighton and Hove later next month if NSL Ltd does not substantially improve the pay offer.”