Aspirations for 2025/26
The Traffic Management and Parking Service will continue to improve, with a focus on:
- making it more efficient
- giving customers a better experience
- supporting our transport and environmental goals
We will take a big-picture approach so we can be a great example for other councils outside London.
Pay and Display Rationalisation
Fewer people are using pay-and-display machines, so we will analyse how often they are used across the city. Machines that are not used enough may be removed or reduced.
This analysis will also help match to the national plan to stop using 3G technology. Any machines we keep will be upgraded as required so they work properly and meet the rules.
We will still provide machines, but mainly in busy areas where lots of people need them.
Moving Traffic Enforcement Implementation
Now that we have permission to enforce moving traffic rules at ten locations, we will progress towards buying the equipment needed. The rollout of camera-based enforcement will help us:
- make roads safer
- reduce congestion
- make sure drivers follow the rules
We will also consult with the public for their views on other places that might need this type of enforcement in the future.
Parking Arrangements and Associated Contracts
The Council’s current parking enforcement contract and the systems we use to manage parking are coming to an end. This is made up of things like:
- the parking administration system
- other ancillary systems
- tools and equipment
We will need to investigate and agree new contracts. As this process happens, we will look at different ways to provide these services and plan carefully to:
- keep the service running smoothly
- look to support new technology, like CCTV
- make sure any changes happen without problems
Fees and Charges Review
As mentioned, we review of parking fees and charges at least once a year.
For 2025/26, we plan to make some changes:
- add a special winter price for parking
- make evening parking one simple flat rate
- provide clearer and easier pricing
We will review our parking zones to show busy visitor areas from those mainly used by residents.
When finished, there will be a new zoning approach with both standard and reduced prices.
For example, Zone 1A will benefit from lower prices in the off-season. Making it easier for residents while still supporting our tourism and night-time economy.
Car Park Capacity and Operational Improvements
We will review our busiest car parks to see if we can add more the spaces where they are needed most. We may also look to include adding extra floors or other levels as ways to make more room for cars.
We will also review the opening hours of the University Square Car Park. Aiming to keep it open until midnight. This will make it easier for visitors going to the town centre in the evenings, for things like the cinema or eating out. This will help support our night-time economy.
Southend Pass
We will keep promoting the Southend Pass while looking for new ways to make it give even better benefits. We hope to give commuters who use the Southend Pass a special discount. This will mainly be car parking at and near train stations. An initial test is planned for Leigh-on-Sea to assess how well it works.