Dozens of traders put down their tools in protest against planned parking permit hikes.

Organisers said about 90 vehicles representing firms and businesses across the city drove around Hove Town Hall before yesterday’s full council meeting.

Despite a chorus of horns, Brighton and Hove City Council's Green administration did not make any more concessions on planned increases to permits.

They claim the plans, which are part of a general budget proposal |to be finalised next month, are needed to meet Government-imposed cuts.

Elliott Raggio, of campaign group Traders Need Permits, said: “The number of people here today shows that this is our livelihoods at stake.

“We’re not just a number, this will affect real people. “I’m not a politician, I’m a businessman trying to earn a living.”

Mr Raggio presented a plea to the meeting last night and received a standing ovation from opposition councillors.

Original budget proposals suggested an increase from £350 to £750 in the cost of traders’ permits but this has now been reduced to £600.

Business permits are set go up from £175 to £300 rather than £400.

The Greens said it made changes after listening to the members of the public.

Transport cabinet member Ian Davey urged businesses and traders to take up quarterly permits as this would help with cash flow.

Coun Davey said: “Our drive to promote quarterly payments, coupled with our recent reduction to our proposed business permit prices, shows that we are listening to businesses and doing what we can for them, despite the huge pressures of central Government cuts and rising congestion in the city.”

He added that he felt the revised costs provided value for money.