RESIDENTS campaigning for a controlled parking scheme to stop drivers taking up spaces close to their homes have called for an urgent consultation on the issue.

The Surrenden Area Parking Campaign group are seeking action now to improve road safety and end long-term parking in Withdean, which they argue is stopping them parking near their homes.

Campaigners have accused Brighton and Hove City Council of “not acting democratically” and not listening to their views after a consultation on the issue was carried out three years ago.

Resident Michael Edwards, who asked councillors a question at tonight’s full council meeting on behalf of the group, said: “In 2015, the Surrenden and Fiveways Area was consulted on a controlled parking zone.

“With a 47 per cent turnout, the area voted yes.

“Subsequently, two controlled zones have been designated over parts of the consulted area, at Fiveways and Balfour, where 55 per cent voted against a scheme in the first consultation.

"On March 20, the environment, transport and sustainability (ETS) committee chairwoman told us we are at the back of the queue for a new consultation because we voted against a scheme in 2015.

“But we didn’t – 50 per cent of roads voted yes.

“Why can’t the democratic rights of Surrenden Area residents be recognised with a parking consultation now?”

Councillor Gill Mitchell, chairwoman of the ETS committee, denied that residents were “put to the back of the queue” after the consultation in 2015.

Responding to Mr Edward’s question, Cllr Mitchell said: “I previously said work on a parking scheme for the Surrenden Road area would begin this year.”

Residents say the aim of the campaign is to “bring forward consultations on a controlled parking zone in the area where safety and parking issues have been worsened by the introduction of parking controls nearby”.

They claim the controls have resulted in motorists parking in the Surrenden area to avoid paying to park in other areas and that the problem is only getting worse.

Four other roads in the area have now joined the campaign after residents became increasingly concerned with the issue, resulting in a total of 26 roads in and around Surrenden Road calling for action.

A further question from Mr Edwards suggested that introducing a controlled parking zone in the area could raise more than £300,000 a year for the city.

Withdean councillor Ken Norman has also shown support for the financial benefits the scheme could bring.

Cllr Mitchell said the parking scheme in the designated areas that was “democratically agreed” after the last consultation will be adhered to.