Councillors were today expected to abandon plans to provide a new parking centre in a pedestrian precinct.

Instead, parking information centres will be provided at two other locations in Brighton and Hove.

We can also reveal the proposed date for Brighton and Hove to take over parking from the police is July 16 this year.

At a meeting today, new environment cabinet councillor Chris Morley was being recommended to abandon plans to use a former shop at Pavilion Buildings, Brighton, for a parking office.

Neighbouring restaurant Al Duomo is keen to take over the business for an extension, although that has not yet been agreed.

The proposal attracted criticism because it is in a prime precinct location.

Meanwhile NCP is close to concluding a deal on a building in the North Laine area for its own staff.

The redundant tourist information centre at Hove Town Hall is also on the cards for conversion to a parking centre.

The council is likely to agree, despite a rival bid by the owners of Pool Valley coach station in Brighton to use it as an information and booking centre.

A high-profile advertising campaign for the parking service was launched today in Churchill Square, Brighton.

Advertisements are going up round the city to ensure everyone knows the new scheme is being introduced this summer.

It will introduce 1,115 short-term pay and display parking spaces and long-term spaces for visitors, costing £2 for up to ten hours.