A war of words has broken out between politicians and police over parking problems that are strangling the streets of Brighton and Hove.

The battle reached a peak last night when a top councillor called on Hove's police commander to consider leaving the city and moving to the country.

Coun Ken Bodfish, tipped to be the new leader of the city council, suggested Superintendent Graham Cox took on a rural beat where there were fewer parking problems.

Mr Cox made headlines earlier this week when he warned of a hostile reaction from the public when tougher parking enforcement was introduced this summer.

The council is taking on responsibility for parking attendants and is determined to get traffic moving again in the city.

It has complained police have been too soft on double parkers and motorists who block bus stops and lanes.

Mr Cox supported the councilbut warned: "They are underestimating the degree of hostility this will generate.

"The council will have to hold its nerve to make it work."

Coun Bodfish, a senior member of the Sussex Police Authority, said: "I'm astounded. It is the job of the police to support the local authority in enforcing regulations and it is not appropriate for a police commander to give any credibility whatsoever to those who break those regulations.

"Maybe Mr Cox should consider policing a rural area where there are fewer parking problems."

Mr Cox said Mr Bodfish and the council had misunderstood him: "I am very supportive of what the council wants to do and believe restrictions should be vigorously enforced.

"But I was working in Brighton the last time this happened and it was opposition from councillors that led to the withdrawal of the policy."