Council row erupts over lack of promised parking areas on Southend seafront | UK | News | EUROtoday

A parking row has kicked off in a preferred seaside city as a result of the council mentioned they might make 448 new parking spots by the ocean, however they solely made 40. Last August, the Southend Council promised these automotive spots would usher in over £500,000 yearly.

Southend-on-Sea, in Essex, is a thriving city which attracts guests and day-trippers all 12 months spherical, with parking on the seafront being a sizzling matter.

But at a gathering, Martin Terry, who’s a councillor, requested Kevin Buck, the person answerable for parking, about why there are so few new areas. Martin Terry mentioned that the cash from all these parking spots may have helped repair a lot of potholes within the city’s streets.

The thought was to make-up for cash misplaced when the council determined to not cost for parking within the night anymore. At the assembly, he mentioned: “Given that you based the discounts given to the seafront traders and day trippers upon production of 448 new spaces, given that the average revenue of parking spaces is £1,500, given that you’ve only produced 40 out of promised new spaces, costing our city £600,000 in lost highways revenue, would you like to take this opportunity to apologise to Southend City residents? “, studies Essex Live.

The seafront parking spots are making some huge cash, with Marine Parade and Western Esplanade incomes the council about £2,000 for every spot yearly. The Seaway automotive park spots make £1,000 every.

If they charged for longer hours, the council may get one other £600,000. Mr Buck mentioned that eliminating the night fees did not lose any cash and they’re nonetheless making new parking areas.

He added: “The commitment we made was up to 448 additional spaces. Those are still being worked on. I’m pleased to say the removal of the very damaging 6pm to 9pm parking charges, which you intend to reintroduce at the first available opportunity, has not had any effect on the budgeted revenue. Parking revenue is still forecast to make a surplus.

He also added, “There’s truly been a rise in night-time exercise because of us eradicating these extremely damaging parking fees. What you plan to do is to reintroduce them and stifle the night-time financial system on this city.”