Some weeks ago I had to take my wife to the Eye Hospital in Eastern Road, Brighton, and owing to the dearth in hospital parking places, I left the car a couple of streets away in Sudeley Street. I glanced across the road to the sign instructing me to buy a ticket from one of the machines, which I hastened to do before a warden spotted the car as the first machine I found was out of operation. I was therefore perplexed and just a little angry when I later found I had incurred a penalty charge.

It was only the following day when I returned to check the signs that I discovered different rules applied on opposite sides of the road. I have no doubt that residents are aware of this, but as a visitor to Brighton I feel I must congratulate your council for a brilliant scheme.

Not only do they collect the cash from the ticket machines, but they also amass a small fortune from the fines!

Of course, if that is not their intention (it might put off visitors from returning) may I suggest adding the words “THIS SIDE” to the signs to draw attention to perhaps different rules applying on the other side.

Richard Weldon, Pent Vale Close, Folkestone