Just two months ago, new vehicle bays were painted on this road as part of a controlled parking zone.

Now those carefully placed lines have disappeared beneath a thick layer of tarmac.

Devonshire Place in Kemp Town, Brighton, now requires fresh markings to outline the bays concealed underneath the new road surface.

Residents have complained they are sick of the disruption and cannot face the prospect of moving their cars yet again.

Jean Taylor, 70, said: "It was inconvenient when the first set of markings were made, then we had to move our cars again for the resurfacing and we'll have to do it a third time when they put the markings back."

Four weeks ago The Argus reported how White Street, also in Kemp Town, looked like a patchwork quilt while workmen spent three weeks resurfacing around parked cars. This road had also only recently been given new parking bays when transport managers decided it needed a fresh layer of tarmac.

Barry Mishon, a theatre producer, of Devonshire Place, said: "All these lovely white meticulous lines have been dug up. That's crass stupidity. It's a waste of council money and a waste of taxpayers' money."

June Hyland, 54, a photographer, said: "If only it was like the Heineken advert where all the different workmen get together at the same time. There's just no co-ordination."

Residents have complained about the noise of the constant roadworks. Sharon Kilgannon, 24, a marketing and sales executive, said: "The last thing you want to hear at 8am is the sound of drilling when you're trying to have a lie-in."

A new parking scheme started in the road on April 11. Only permit holders and drivers who pay at ticket machines are able to park between 9am and 8pm from Monday to Saturday.

Brighton and Hove City Council admitted the bay markings and resurfacing works should have been done the other way round. A spokesman said: "We apologise for any inconvenience.

"Under the Traffic Management Act 2005, the council will be introducing a better way of planning for road works. This will provide greater co-ordination to avoid future repetition of incidents like this."