Park free while bagging your Christmas bargains

 

 

Residents and visitors braving the Christmas throng during these periods won't have to rush back to their cars when the time's up on their parking meters or pay and display tickets.

Instead they will be able to absorb themselves in their shopping without having to keep a weather eye on the time.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Executive Councillor for Planning and Transport, Councillor Mark Flewitt, said: "We are very pleased to announce free parking on Thursday evenings and Sundays in the run up to Christmas.

"This gives residents and visitors to the town and retailers a much needed Christmas bonus as it will encourage people to stay longer and shop locally as well as supporting our local traders.

"Free parking makes it even more inviting to come along and enjoy the Christmas-on-Sea activities like our Christmas Farmers Market and Crafts Market. More details of this are available by clicking on http://www.visitsouthend.co.uk/ "

Free parking will be available after 4pm on Thursday the 16th, 23rd and 30th December and all day on Sunday the 19th and 26th December at the following locations: 

·         Alexandra Street

·         Clarence Road

·         Elmer Approach

·         Essex Street

·         Warrior Square

·         Elm Road, Leigh

·         North Street, Leigh

·         Ceylon Road

·         Thorpe Broadway

·         University Square

·         Tylers Avenue

·         London Road North

·         York Road Market

The Council's parking contractors APCOA will this month be trialling a free pay-by-phone opportunity for motorists parking on the sea front.

This will run in conjunction with the existing pay and display coin machines and the results of the trial will be reviewed in the spring.