The Seaford Chamber of Commerce, members of Seaford Town Council and the Seaford Residents' Association were among those who discussed the plans with John Robbins, transport strategy manager for ESCC.

Many residents opposed the parking scheme and were relieved when it was announced in July that the project had been drastically cut and only five streets would need to consult with County Hall on the introduction of parking permits.

Following the meeting last Tuesday, members welcomed the fact that there were no current plans for charges on the seafront, or for parking meters anywhere in the town.

Gail Elhinn, chairman of the Seaford Residents' Association said, "I think it was a really positive meeting.

"It looks like there will be more consultation in the streets where they have shown an interest in permits, just to make sure this is still what people want.

"I think we have a good hope that the seafront is not going to be metered or charged for the foreseeable future.

"Good progress has been made on Broad Street and there may be a time restriction imposed which I think will be good for the traders and shoppers.

"The groups at the meeting including the Chamber of Commerce were in favour of a time restriction in this area.

"There's still a little more consultation to be done and I think meetings will take place with the Chamber of Commerce regarding Broad Street."

Stefano Diella, president of the Seaford Chamber of Commerce, said, "I think this is an important issue for the future of Seaford.

"I would describe the meeting as very friendly and reasonably positive.
"I don't believe that the parking permits actually solve the problem because after 5pm they are not operational.

"They also do not guarantee a space outside a resident's home.
"From the experience Lewes has, the parking permits have caused huge problems.

"I believe the town just needs policing of the existing arrangements. We could benefit from a more local traffic management person."

Mr Diella said safety issues were also discussed at the meeting as was public transport in the town.

Referring to the possibility of time restrictions in Broad Street he added, "Broad Street is a busy area where people pop in and out and an hour should be sufficient for people to pick up their pieces. If they want to park for longer than that they can do so slightly further out of town.

"The town is not yet stable enough financially to be able to tolerate a draconian parking system.

"There are no plans for charges on the seafront and that is terrific news. I think at the moment to start charging people to park there would decimate the visitors.

"We also feel that at the moment the scheme is so small that the council is probably going to lose money on it."
Councillor Jon Freeman added, "If we're going to have traffic wardens then we would like to have one or two who are Seaford-based and know the area.

"The hour restriction for Broad Street we feel will keep the traffic flow moving.

"I think the outcry and number of petitions and letters that followed on was far more protest than ever there was in Eastbourne.

"The Seaford people have done us well."

Last week the parking specialist of the Lewes Chamber of Commerce warned how the parking scheme in the market town had a negative impact on traders.

Kevin Scott said the current system in Lewes was far too complex and too heavily policed.

A transport spokesperson for East Sussex County Council said, "Nobody wants to pay to park but Seaford faces a genuine dilemma. Without charging or some alternative source of funding, the level of enforcement that people want see cannot be provided.

"Following consultation, the business community agreed that a one hour limit in Broad Street was the best way forward since this would allow more people to park close to the shops.

"The scheme is not about making money but the scheme must cover its costs. The controls in Seaford are part of a larger operation which, overall, does cover its costs.

"As was made clear in the consultation, what permits can do and do well is to give residents priority over non-residents during the day which is when most problems arise.

"In some streets the problem is that, in the evenings, when most people are at home, residents have more cars than there are spaces — permits can do little to address that problem.

"Many at the meeting said they would like enforcement officers based full time in Seaford and for there to be more enforcement generally.

Enforcement is labour-intensive and expensive and, unless there is charging for parking, only limited enforcement can be afforded.

"Given the controversial nature of parking, the meeting was very constructive. The next stage will be for detailed proposals to be drawn up based on the feedback from the last consultation. This will include a resident permit scheme in parts of Claremont Road, Guardswell Place and High Street, a one hour limit on parking in Broad Street and various local controls in those and other streets to help loading, improve safety or achieve other benefits. These detailed proposals will be advertised and those affected will have the opportunity to object or to make representations."

The spokesperson also confirmed there are no current plans for parking meters anywhere in the town or charges on the seafront.