Changes to parking charges set to be reversed

June 27, 2023

Two major changes to parking charges in Southend-on-Sea made as part of the 2023/24 budget are set to be reversed.

Following their manifesto pledge, the new council cabinet is set to remove the evening parking charges introduced from 6pm to 9pm in zone 1A, and scrap a proposal to charge in Jones Memorial, Big Gunners and Little Gunners car parks from this financial year, and Chalkwell, Priory, Belfairs and Southchurch Parks from 2024/25. Two reports will be presented at the cabinet meeting on Wednesday 28 June.

The report about the reversal of the 6 pm to 9pm charging period in zone 1A explains how the reduction in revenue will be more than offset by the creation of 448 additional car parking spaces along the seafront which could bring in over £0.5m in additional income annually.

Cllr Kevin Buck, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “I am delighted that we can start the process to deliver on two of our key promises around parking and reverse evening charging along the seafront, which we strongly believe is damaging to our tourist trade and wider local economy.

“The new spaces will be created as quickly as possible over the next nine months, with new traffic regulation orders and the work taking place, and the money we can raise annually from this means there is no need for the recently added charging time of 6-9pm.

“We want to encourage visitors to come and spend the whole day here – not only as long as they can afford the parking. We hope to have the charging changes in place by 1 September 2023 and in the meantime will offer free evening parking from 6-9pm during the school holidays, so families and visitors aren’t affected.”

The new parking spaces will be created in zone 1a as quickly as possible and no later than the school Easter break in 2024.

The second report discusses abolishing the proposed charge in car parks of Belfairs Park, Chalkwell Park, Priory Park, Southchurch Park, Big Gunners Park, Little Gunners Park and Jones Memorial Ground. The report also recommends a policy be introduced to make it clear that it is not the council’s policy to charge in park car parks.

Cllr Buck said: “Our parks are there to be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike, and by families who want to enjoy the fresh air and nature. Parks are also important for wellbeing and we want people to socialise, exercise and enjoy the parks our City has to offer.

“We believe that charging people to park in our parks car parks will undermine this and is disproportionate for the money it will bring in, and that is why we are putting the wheels in motion to reverse this measure.”

The full reports parking charges in car parks and removal of 6pm to 9pm parking charging in zone 1a can both be found on the council’s website.