I was interested to read of the possibility of car parking charges to be increased yet again in Brighton. Other than hospital visits we avoid Brighton.

However, once a year we meet with friends for a Christmas Eve lunch in a restaurant near the West Pier.

We normally park in the Regency Square car park and have never seen even one level full of cars.

Last Christmas we found the exorbitant fees for the car park actually exceeded the cost of the meal we were about to have.

So, we decided to park in Regency Square. Oh dear. The meters no longer take cash. You have to telephone a number to register.

We do not carry mobile telephones. What do we do? We parked in the square.

Nearly three hours later we return. Oh joy, oh rapture.

No fine ticket. Is anybody working? Who lost out? The council. For the first time in many years we had free parking.

Brian Coomber

Buckingham Road

Shoreham