An overhaul of city centre Parking, which critics fear will result in chaos, will be decided next week.

Brighton and Hove City Council plans to scrap the current eight parking zones and create two large zones.

Two and four-hour free parking bays will be replaced with residents' permits and pay and display bays.

The voucher parking system would also be phased out.

The council says the changes will create 700 new spaces for residents, reduce waiting lists for permits and give householders a better chance to park.

The two larger zones will make it easier for drivers to understand the rules, the council claims.

But the Green group, along with traders, householders and parking organisations, are opposing the plans, which will be considered by the environment committee next Thursday.

People living in the most central areas fear their spaces will be taken up by residents from outlying zones visiting the centre.

Steve Percy, from the People's Parking Protest, said: "Worst hit will be people currently living in zones F and A around the station. Their streets will be clogged up by cars parking free for the day while they travel to London.

"Those living in the fringe areas will benefit but those of us nearer the centre will be overloaded. It is absolute madness and if the council listens to the reaction of its own consultation, it will not allow it."

Mr Percy is calling for the council to exclude zone A from the new arrangements and has been supported by more than 400 letters.

Green Party environment spokeswoman Georgia Wrighton said: "There will be a parking free for all, which will lead to more cars in the centre, with the resultant pollution and congestion."

If agreed, the proposals could be introduced early next year.