The Goldsmid area of Hove wasn't originally included in Brighton and Hove Council's suggested areas for residents' parking schemes.

Officials only prepared a plan after being told by local councillors many people were in favour of it.

Now a big petition opposing the idea has been put forward by a hard-working resident who is calling at every home in the area.

The council rightly says it will drop the idea if there's a big majority against it.

But it's better to have public opinion assessed independently than by a resident who is passionately against the proposals.

It's possible most car owners could get on for a while without a parking scheme, provided existing regulations are enforced and problems caused by Legal and General workers parking in the area are solved.

But they should be warned the growth in motoring is likely to lead to people wanting a Goldsmid scheme within a few years if not now.

Residents have to pay for parking near their homes under these schemes as people in central Brighton have known for 30 years.

But when demand for spaces is high, that can be better than not being able to find a space at all.