I buy a resident's parking permit every year. My experience has been if you attempt to find a parking space after 6pm in a resident's space, you are doomed to failure.

Recently, I was out late. Because I am a pensioner, I am unwilling to walk any distance at night to get home.

I parked in the next road from mine on a double yellow line, not obstructing any traffic.

This was after spending 20 minutes trying to find a space in a radius of four streets surrounding my road. It was Saturday night.

On Sunday, I rose early and went to move my car. A ticket was already there, at 7.30am. Don't these people ever sleep?

I wrote to Brighton and Hove City Council explaining my reasons and desperation in trying to find a place.

After a long wait, the council wrote to say it was considering my case. I didn't hear for months so presumed it wasn't pursuing the matter further.

Last week, I had a notice to pay £90 for failing to pay up. What on earth happened to my first letter? I have written yet again and had a reply.

Guess what? The council is once more reconsidering my case. I live on a pension and can do without all this petty aggravation and being penalised for owning a car.

What use is a resident's permit when it doesn't guarantee a space from 6pm onwards?

-Mrs Hamilton, St Michael's Place, Brighton