Residents are being asked for their patience as they wait for new parking permits for themselves and their visitors.
Around 9,000 letters have been sent to residents in areas where new parking zones are being set up this autumn. The council is processing these applications as fast as possible.
Letters tell people they must set up a special online account in order to apply for resident permits and visitor permits via www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/parking-register However the council has been having a few teething problems with the new system.
New areas are Hanover & Elm Grove, Craven Vale, Preston Village and the Balfour extension to area F.
Residents are being reminded that they have until 21 September to apply. Up until that date, only one resident application per household will be accepted in the new areas. After this date, there will be a system for applying for additional permits, depending on demand in any particular zone. At this second stage it may be necessary to create a waiting list if demand is greater than the number of available permits.
Anyone having difficulty setting up the new online account can get help by contacting permits@brighton-hove.gov.uk Council staff are also available to support those who are not online, or who are having difficulties applying, at the customer service centre at Hove Town Hall.
Inevitably there is a rush of applications and many people asking questions. The council is undertaking to deal with applications and queries in good time for households to get permits by the time the new areas go live on 2 October.
The new accounts required to buy permits are separate from any current online accounts residents may have for Pay by Phone parking or the council’s MyAccount system, which allows various online payments.
All other parking areas will continue to use the existing system and residents in these areas do not yet need to set up new accounts.
The new system will mean residents can buy online permits for their visitors as and when needed.