As the council has to tighten its belt in the face of government cuts half of Brighton’s parking meters are being ripped out.

But there are question marks over whether the council is sacrificing convenience in an effort to save money by introducing pay-by-phone parking tickets.

While many of Brighton and Hove’s tech savvy citizens will have no problem adapting, unfortunately for some old habits die hard.

Many people in Brighton still just use their phone as a phone and have not adapted to using it as a multi-purpose, life organising device.

It is horrible to think of some being left fumbling or facing unjust parking fines as they could not get themselves a ticket.

The council of course needs to save money and the quarter of a million in savings will be vital.

The transaction fee incurred in paying by phone is also another problem and it does not seem fair to charge people for the inconvenience. While there are alternatives in place such as the pay point system, sometimes the old ways are the best.