The residents of Hanover should think very carefully about what they wish for.

The Hanover and Elm Grove Action Group via the Hanover Directory magazine is conducting a street-by-street survey over the need for ‘some sort of controlled parking’.

Recently they published interim figures showing residents seem mostly in favour of controls.

Whereas there are undoubtedly problems in this crowded neighbourhood with its narrow streets, any form of control would only introduce further problems.

I cannot think of one single space in the area whose loss would not impact on others around it.

The few streets where controls have been introduced, notably Stanley and Winmill Streets, have proved how far the Greens ‘interpret’ this so-called demand to suit their own doctrines.

Available spaces were slashed by up to 75%, ridiculous bike lanes imposed, and rules on double yellow lines generously interpreted.

Those residents who lobbied for and paid for permits still cannot guarantee a space.

If controls are introduced, of course the council will never allow parking on both sides of these narrow streets, thus, even optimistically, at least 50% of all spaces would disappear overnight.

Permits will almost certainly be restricted to one per household (how the student HMOs would love that), and visitor permits probably to 12 a year.

Then, hey presto – millions would be raised in new taxes where zero is raised at present. These measures would become set in tone and never be rolled back.

For years, the council has salivated over the potential revenue Hanover offers, and resented that parking so close to central Brighton is actually free.

The last time they tried to impose measures (about four years ago) they were howled down by people power.

How easily memories fade. Maybe a new generation of residents cannot remember, or know about the previous protests.

They would do well to think through their wishes. The current situation is by no means perfect, but it would undoubtedly become far worse (and expensive) if they vote for these measures.

Even if they don’t, the Greens will cling on to the tiniest support and claim it as the ‘majority’, as they have done in other hapless areas of Brighton and Hove who voted ‘no’ after so-called ‘consultations’.

Enjoy Hanover while you can. Its dynamic could change drastically and irrevocably.

Nigel Davis,

Brighton