Surrenden and Fiveways: Area F - The fiercest parking battle zone

Following a decision in March by members of Brighton and Hove City Council's environment, transport and sustainability committee, a consultation about the proposed parking scheme for "Area F" was held. Residents have been given the options of a five-day or seven-day scheme, with enforcement from 9am to 8pm in line with other nearby schemes. Other options for different times and hours could be considered, but would need further committee approval.

The proposed scheme also includes Hollingbury Park Avenue and Hollingbury Terrace.

All homes, businesses and services in the area were sent details and questionnaires about the proposed scheme, and could complete an online form during the consultation period, which ended on August 14.

Brighton and Hove Independent - which has invited articles from supporters and opponents of the proposals - asked the council some key questions about the proposals. Below are the answers.

In a statement, a council spokesperson said: 'In terms of the consultation, we are still collating the results, but it looks as if there has been about a 50% response rate. This is above average; it is normally about 30% to 40%. Some previous parking scheme consultations have, however, been higher than 50%.

'The proposals and consultation results will be put before the city council's environment, transport and sustainability committee on Tuesday, October 13. Reports for this committee should be online from Monday, October 5.

Overall, how many on-street designated parking spaces will there be in the proposed Area F? How many households are there in the proposed Area F?

We do not know exactly how many on-street spaces there will be yet, as this will be worked out during the traffic-order stage - when the detailed design goes out for formal consultation (depending on what councilors decide on October 13).

The designs change considerably as a result of the comments during the initial consultation, so any plans are just an indication of possible parking positions at this stage.

There are 3,317 households in the consulted area.

Do you have the same data (number of parking spaces, number of households) for each of the individual roads in proposed Area F?

As above.

Will the amount of parking space be increased or decreased under the current proposals?

It is likely to be reduced, due to double yellow lines being placed across driveways, on junctions, and where parking cannot be accommodated on both sides of the road.

Will there be parking meters on the grass verges?

No parking meters were proposed in the original proposals as pay-by-phone-only methods were proposed. Due to the comments received during the consultation, however, we are likely to include some pay-and-display machines in sensitive locations. But these are unlikely to be on grass verges.

Can you confirm that it will be unlawful for residents to park on cross-overs, even when such parking does not obstruct pavements? If so, what action will be taken to enforce this?

We can confirm that,if the scheme does get approval, no resident or visitor will be able to park in the 'crossover section' they use to access their driveway, as it will be enforced through the proposed double yellow lines. This is public highway and will be enforced if seen or reported by a Civil Enforcement Officer.

Will residents with double garages be allowed to expand single cross-overs to double-crossovers?

Residents wanting to extend crossovers will need to make an application through the council's network co-ordination team.

Will the council take the opportunity to restore, where necessary, proper kerbs on roads to prevent cars mounting grass verges?

The council is not proposing to raise existing dropped kerbs as part of the proposals. With regard to parking on grass verges, it is difficult for the council to enforce without a 'no verge parking' scheme. Legislation is, however, changing in the near future, which will enable the council to enforce parking of this kind.