For the past five years, the Kemp Town Carnival has been granted the authority to close roads to "maintain the safety of the participants and the general public" ("Carnival parking fury", The Argus, July 6).

Local traders had the road closure times delivered to them during May so they could make arrangements to suit their trading pattern, especially to alter delivery times.

Local residents had the details delivered on Monday, June 24. A Brighton and Hove City Council parking officer visited the area the next day.

After listing the bays to be suspended, he confirmed that the advance-warning notice listing the times of prohibition must be displayed four days before commencement. Large signs were displayed on Monday, July 1.

On the morning of the first day of suspension, a three-hour "grace period" was allowed. There are 92 places in 17 bays suspended.

From 10.30am, the parking office attempted to contact the 23 parking permit-holders of vehicles by then illegally parked.

Only two were available to take this chance to avoid further penalty. Nevertheless, this is an example of the positive and helpful attitude displayed to parkers. They help us to help others and ourselves.

Sixty-two bay-parkers read the signs and left their overnight parking spots early. Unfortunately, 30 did not.

Paying the penalty charge is an expensive way to learn that we must keep aware of changes. We will look for a new way of how to increase the advice to parkers of what to expect next year.

Though it was expensive for 30 parkers, an estimated 8,000 visitors had a very good time.

-Edward Furey, Kemp Town Carnival, College Road, Kemp Town