QUESTIONS remain over what would happen to Albion’s match day park and rides if Mill Road became a permanent seven-day operation.

Brighton and Hove Buses and other companies run three routes to the American Express Community Stadium from sites on Mill Road, Lewes Road and Brighton Racecourse when home games are taking place.

Match and season tickets allow travel on the buses between 11.30am and 9pm on the day of an afternoon match and between 4.15pm and midnight for an evening match, and this is changed when needed to meet earlier kick-offs or bank holiday arrangements.

But if discussions for a seven-day park and ride at Mill Road continue, and become a formal proposal, it is not yet clear what would happen to the match day arrangement there.

The bus company has not spoken in detail on its ideas and Brighton and Hove Albion is yet to comment.

Councillor Geoffrey Theobald, who represents Patcham and was one of a number of people approached by the bus company to discuss the suggestion, said: “I remain unconvinced by the idea but I am yet to see detailed proposals.

“A major consideration is the fact the site goes right through the national park.”

Councillor Ken Norman, who represents the Withdean ward where the park and ride could be if Mill Road is used, was also contacted by the bus company.

He said: “I’m told it probably wouldn’t make much of a difference [to match days] as Race Hill could be used more [the Brighton Racecourse match day park and ride].

”Over the years scores of sites have been suggested for permanent park and ride sites such as Toad’s Hole Valley, just off the A27 near the A2038 and Waterhall, off the M23.

In September, it emerged discussions were taking place about the QLeisure site at Albourne, off the A23, as an out-of-town park and ride were taking place.

It continues to be suggested as a second location so eventually there would be capacity for 5,000 cars.

The site is in the Mid Sussex District Council area and it is understood there are concerns the idea could be too costly to become reality as it would need a new access road and a bus lane would need to be introduced.

But others say it would help ease congestion from cars coming in from the north.

Talks to finally bring park and ride to Brighton and Hove are revived - click here for the full story