People with permits who cannot always find parking spaces near their homes are angry with Brighton and Hove City Council.

It always lets out more permits than there are spaces because not every driver will be using one all the time.

The alternative of guaranteeing a space to every permit holder would make the waiting lists far longer than they already are.

Problems are partly caused by the large number of drivers who flout existing schemes by parking without permits, knowing they have a fair chance of getting away with it through a lack of wardens.

This should change later this year when the council takes over parking enforcement from wardens and the police. Permit holders may then have a pleasant surprise at how many spaces suddenly become spare.