Tough parking restrictions and increased charges are driving some businesses out of Brighton and Hove.

Bosses at Direct Mortgage Group, in Edward Street, Brighton, have already decided to shut up shop and move elsewhere. More could follow.

They say a hike in voucher parking charges and a new residents-only scheme in the Queen's Park area has made it impossible for staff and clients to park affordably within walking distance.

Charges increased at the end of last year from £1 per hour to £3 for two hours.

Staff and customers got round that by parking in residential streets in the Queen's Park area but that will be outlawed next month when Brighton and Hove City Council's permit-holders-only rules come into force.

Steve White, managing director of the Direct Mortgage Group, said the combined effect means he can no longer conduct his business in the area.

The company, which has six employees, will leave its Edward Street offices in Brighton tomorrow and move to Lewes.

Mr White said: "We are joining an increasing list of businesses suffering through the restrictive parking policy and are being forced out.

"Employees and customers visiting us will find it impossible to park anywhere near the office.

"The nearest free parking is currently about ten minutes' walk away and when the Queen's Park scheme comes in it will be a lot worse.

"We can't tell clients who want to come to see us they have to pay £2 or park a mile away. It's embarrassing."

Mr White looked for alternative office space and eventually found premises in Westgate Street, Lewes, which has parking spaces.

He said: "We have to make it easy for our clients to visit us and this is just not possible with the council's prohibitive and very expensive parking policy.

"Businesses cannot survive with these measures. We are moving to Lewes where it is easier to find premises with parking provided.

"I can understand the restrictions from the residents' point of view but the council has ignored the business community."

Another Edward Street business looking for new accommodation is Adventure Unlimited, a charity which organises outdoor pursuits for disadvantaged youngsters.

Spokesman Richard Hardwick said the new parking controls are a "major threat" to businesses.

"It is already a nightmare. We are a charity which runs four vehicles to pick up children and we are finding it impossible now in this location. We have only been given two residents' permits and no staff permits.

"Visitors find it very difficult to park and the situation is threatening our status in the city."

Brighton Economic Partnership chairman Tony Mernagh said businesses would have to learn to adapt.

He said: "We are likely to lose one or two businesses this way but we need to balance that with the need to reduce congestion.

"There will always be a conflict between the needs of residents and businesses."

A council spokeswoman said: "The new parking tariffs were introduced in a bid to optimise parking spaces.

"These charges reflect the council's ongoing strategy to encourage people to leave the car at home and use alternative forms of transport."

Thursday March 3, 2005