For many years the permit ratios in each zone have been held at a fairly low level. Several years ago we managed to get the ratio of 1:1.8 reduced to 1:1.2 but unfortunately the Council does not appear to have taken into account the amount of other permits issued for use on the same resident parking bays. Amongst these are Resident Visitor permits, Carers, Council vehicles, Window Cleaners, Scaffolders and, of course, Trader permits.
Now, the Council intends to issue unlimited amounts of trader permits at nearly double the price. This is very unfair as it will mean that the low ratio will rise to a much higher level. This, in turn, will mean fewer parking spaces for the resident permit holders. Although the trader permits are supposed to be limited to a 4pm use I can tell you that due to the lack of enforcement, the restricted use is rarely observed. I sympathise with tradesman needing to park close to their work but with unlimited permit issue the situation could become quite serious. I will be investigating the situation in greater depth and discussing it with the Council in the near future.
The work being carried out in the Old Shoreham Road installing the new cycle lane is causing massive traffic delays and creating rat runs. The Police were asked to monitor some of the rat runs and check for speeding. Several people were stopped and reminded to observe the speed limit of 30mph. The work to create the new cycle lane will continue to May, at least. Massive delays will undoubtedly take place. I am sure that even when the cycle lane is open the traffic flow on this busy road will be quite restricted. This work will only produce about a mile of cycle lane, and as far as I can tell, it is not going to be extended. Will this cycle lane be used by enough people to justify the disruption and cost? I hope so.
The next thing on the Council agenda is increasing parking charges and, of course, the introduction of 20mph zones. In my opinion, this move will definitely create more congestion. Perhaps I should open a bicycle shop?
Please contact me with any queries and problems via our email address: theppp@gmx.com or phone me on 07768 002328 between 11am and 6pm.
Steve Percy (chairman) PPP
The Whistler 
Hello
I really disagree with everything in this article! As a resident of ‘The Whistler’ area, I relish living without a car and having affordable public transport on my doorstep. If you are territorial about your private vehicle I think you should live out of the hub of the city where you can have your own drive and own patch of cement to park it on. There are far too many private cars allowed into Brighton. It’s a steaming car park at the best of times and articles like this are just personal misery columns and not at all helpful to the rest of us who are trying to be bold, brave and car-free. Yes I whimper at my miserly 25 car coupons a year but at least I tell my car whirring friends to come by train and not park in the street. Cycle lanes are good. New improvements are good. They take time and streets clog up but any improvement to the dastardly Shoreham Road is brilliant. Did you ever visit The Hague in Holland when it went through its ten year improvement scheme to get cars underground?! It’s amazing now!
Yes open a bicycle shop and relish in a new and bright(on) future!
Uploaded by the editor on behalf of Steve Percy
Dear Editor
Lorraine Bowen complains about the doom and gloom that I apparently give in The Whistler.
The PPP committee and myself have worked free of charge for what I and the car drivers believe in for the last eleven years. The PPP has managed to increase parking spaces; get longer waiting periods; get parking tickets made void for deserving cases and much more, such as recently getting a filter light fitted to the traffic lights at the junction of Cromwell Road and The Drive, Hove.
It is fine with me to have a different opinion to the many motorists in the West Hill area but I do not consider protecting the right to use and park our cars is in any way to be criticised. Freedom of choice is everyone’s right. I choose to own a car and have done since I have lived in this area for the last forty-five years.
Public transport does not cover everyone’s needs but is fine for the people who are able to use it for their particular travel plans. Not much good for the average family’s weekly shopping (especially on a bicycle) or Dads’ business.
I cannot paint a better picture for the future of the motor car and it will come to an end when the fuel is not available. In the mean time we will enjoy it while we can.
Steve Percy