In response to a recent article (The Argus, October, 2) I feel that I need to readdress the negativity offered by some in their comments against the newly-extended resident parking scheme area J, in the ten streets around London Road, Brighton.

It is suggested that the low uptake on permits has turned the community into a “ghost town”. Hardly.

For more than ten years, residents have campaigned to claim back their streets from untidy, dangerous and illegal parking. This has seen vehicles left for days on end by those from other areas who have either been displaced by other parking schemes, or who have made a choice not to pay for what has unfortunately become a luxury in our traffic-crowded city.

Now residents can enjoy more light, space, safety and happiness as they no longer have to circle for hours fightng other motorists for a parking space. With 40% of the traffic now moved on, those living in the area are sighing with huge relief that the mad games are finally over.

It is hugely unfortunate that there is no solution to the displacement of the problem, save banning vehicles altogether, and that it should have to cost so much money for the privilege. The problem has now moved nearer to the Roundhill and Fiveways districts – but residents in the wider community did vote against the further extension as proposed by Brighton and Hove City Council, and must now sadly bear the consequences.

Curtis Tappenden
Clyde Road, Brighton

I live in the new J parking zone and I think it’s the best thing that has happened in years to this area. We don’t want to park right outside our houses – anywhere nearby would have been nice – but even that was impossible. I frequently had to park near Preston Park and walk back through the streets on my own, in the dark after midnight. As an older woman, I didn’t feel safe. “A ghost town?” I don’t think so. Thank you councillors for our permits.

Pauline Godden
Preston Circus, Brighton