Portfolio holder for community safety Cllr Derek James told the district council he was determined to retain as much car-parking space as he could, within the city centre and elsewhere.

The district car-parking forum is discussing the whole range of possible strategies.

And the council had to come up with a new strategy by October this year, as the city was rapidly running out of car-parking spaces, which was a matter of grave concern.

"Next year they will be completely full," he told his fellow councillors.

"Footfall in December was down by 36,000, which I suggest has something to do with car parking."

Cllr James had been asked by Cllr Andrew Smith how determined he was to retain all the car-parking space in the city centre in the ownership of the district council.

He said: "We are discussing all these issues, and as far as I am concerned I would not want to see any more reduction in car-parking spaces."

Park and ride is understood to be among the options under consideration by the forum.

Cllr James himself is also a strong advocate of underground car parking facilities to cope with major new housing developments planned for Chichester, to prevent areas being 'littered' with parked vehicles.

Chichester Residents' Associations' Co-ordinating Group has called for the establishment of a series of park-and-ride sites outside the city centre.

It wants a £10 charge for all-day parking in the city centre, as an incentive for commuters to use park and ride.

The group's proposals have been submitted to the district council for consideration.

What do you think? Are Chichester's car parks really full? Are commuters being unfairly targeted? To let us know click here to send a letter or leave a comment below.