Double yellow lines are stifling Newhaven businesses, according to Norman Baker.

The MP for Lewes has called for a review and the removal of all unnecessary lines in Newhaven.

A similar review in Lewes freed up 35 parking spaces leading to speculation that removing unnecessary lines could bring more customers into local shops.

Mr Baker said: “It is genuinely surprising just how many of the streets around Newhaven’s town centre are clogged up with double yellow lines.

“Of course, some of the double yellow lines are very important to ensure the smooth flow of traffic, but I could not help but notice that there are others that simply do not really need to be there.

“A yellow line that is not necessary discourages a potential customer from spending in a local shop. In these tough economic times, small businesses deserve all the help that they can get.”

East Sussex County Council said double yellow lines were placed for “reasons of safety, to protect access to property, or to ensure that emergency vehicles, refuse vehicles and others can get through and avoid traffic congestion”.

John Robbins, project manager at the county council, added: “Circumstances do change and the council reviews its parking restrictions from time to time.

“The current parking review, although focused principally on Lewes town, has addressed some known issues elsewhere, including in Newhaven.”

Mr Robbins said there was a recent proposal to remove the double yellow lines on one side of Meeching Road which would create “a significant number” of additional parking places.

The council is also planning a review of parking in coastal towns and said it would be happy to consider removing double yellow lines from places people consider no longer appropriate.