Plans to radically change parking restrictions have sparked concern amongst residents of a busy shopping district.

The North Laine Community Association (NCLA) fears Brighton and Hove City Council's plan to replace the city centre's eight parking zones with just a north and a south zone will dramatically worsen an already difficult parking situation.

Drivers currently need a specific Area G permit to park in the densely-populated North Laine, for which there is a long waiting list. Under the council's new plan, the area would be part of one large north zone, which would stretch up past The Level to Viaduct Road.

Anybody living in the north zone would be able to buy permits to park anywhere within it, opening up North Laine parking bays to hundreds more cars.

NCLA planning co-ordinator Barry Leigh, of Kensington Place, said: "Expanding the parking permit area is going to make an already impossible situation even worse.

"We are seriously worried this will lead to the North Laine becoming a car park for shoppers and rail commuters, or people coming to the area to eat or go to the pub."

The council says the current zone scheme is too restrictive and the restructuring will make it easier for people to park near their homes, businesses or places to visit.

Wednesday, October 5, 2005