Stephen Young is right about the many problems caused by pavement parking.

In Elm Grove, where parking has been tolerated (and even facilitated) on what used to be grass verges, we have ended up with a situation where there are no commonly accepted limits as to where it is acceptable to park.

People park their cars on corners of streets, protruding out into the footway, and even behind railings beside pedestrian crossings. Cars are often parked on the pavement in such a way that they need to drive along the footway in order to get back onto the road. The other morning I counted 23 cars blocked in on the pavement in this way.

The result is that Elm Grove – despite the introduction of pelican crossings and various attempts to physically block pavement parking – remains a dangerous road for pedestrians and cyclists.

Visibility for anyone trying to cross or pull out from the numerous side roads is poor and the speed of general traffic is relatively high.

The road forms a barrier for children, in particular, moving around the neighbourhood on foot or by bike.

The voices of car owners in the neighbourhood have been heard loud and clear by the council and there is a consultation process underway. I would urge pedestrians, cyclists and parents in the area to get involved and help make this road safer for everyone. Details of the process can be found at www.heglat.wordpress.com.

Dani Ahrens, Southampton Street, Brighton

Stephen Young is quite wrong to say that nobody has the right to park their car on the pavement (Letters, October 13).

The fact is everybody can do so, unless it is specifically prohibited – as it is in London – or it causes an obstruction or hazard.

We are still fortunate in this country to be free to do as we wish, within the law. It is also highly misleading to imply, as Mr Young does, that the long-standing practise of pavement parking in Elm Grove makes it difficult for pedestrians and people with mobility problems to pass.

The pavements where such parking occurs are about 12ft wide. There is no obstruction whatsoever and I speak as a frequent pushchair user.

The same allegation was trotted out by the anti-car faction during last year’s debate on the proposed Hanover and Elm Grove Controlled Parking Zone scheme, for which they lobbied so strenuously and was rejected by residents and businesses at a wasted cost of more than £60,000 in taxpayers’ money.

It is also notable from this public consultation that not a shred of evidence has been produced to say there is any problem with pavement parking in Elm Grove.

The three-month moratorium announced by Brighton and Hove City Council on this issue is sensible, but in the meantime why doesn’t it concentrate on applying the laws we have? Enforce the 20mph limit in Hanover, penalise motorists who obstruct junctions and summon those responsible for parking cars for sale in Elm Grove.

Stephen Requena, Carlyle Street, Brighton