Introduction and overview
Our Traffic Management and Parking Service operates within the rules of the Traffic Management Act 2004 (TMA).
Once TMA came into force, it replaced the Road Traffic Act 1991 and this changed the approach to parking enforcement, with aims to:
- improve how the public feel about parking
- help councils work in the same way
- make the system fair and clear
The TMA required adjustments, making changes like:
- the words we use for enforcement
- standards in documentation
- how we deal with Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs)
Southend-on-Sea attracts millions of visitors each year and therefore, it is essential to manage traffic flow and parking.
Effective parking management is:
- ease of use
- focused on safety
- a smoothly running service
With our parking operations we aim to be:
- open and honest
- accountable
The TMA states councils must publish a yearly report about parking, enforcement, activities and outcomes. This report reflects our commitment to support the city’s:
- transport infrastructure
- economic vitality
- environmental goals
It shows an overview of our parking service, including our:
- key performance indicators for 2024/25
- financial information
- service aspirations.
It also outlines our future improvements and innovations.