SOUTHEND Council has published an order suspending parking spaces across Southend as part of emergency measures to stop crowds gathering during the Covid lockdown.

On New Year's Eve, Southend Council took steps to close off seafront car parks and parking bays to deter people from driving to the town for daily exercise. 

This weekend, councillors stepped up their appeal for people to stay away in an effort to keep Covid-19 at bay. 

Now, the council is going a step further with an "emergency suspension" due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The order came into effect on Friday for at least 21 days.

A notice published by Southend Council on January 21 says the council is satisfied that these restrictions are required owing to danger to the public of gathering or promenading of groups in the affected areas. 

The measures target Shoebury East Beach car park, Shoebury Common South car park and Ness Road. 

It follows reports of people travelling to East Beach and even holding barbecues.

In addition, the parking ban includes waiting, loading, unloading and stopping and suspension of car parks and pay and display bays in:

  • Belton Way West, Leigh
  • Belton Way East, Leigh
  • Belton Gardens
  • Belton Bridge
  • Leigh Old Town
  • Chalkwell Esplanade
  • The Leas
  • Western Esplanade
  • Marine Parade
  • Fairheads Green car park, Southend
  • Seaway car park
  • Gasworks car park
  • Eastern Esplanade
  • Thorpe Esplanade
  • Thorpe Esplanade car park
  • Shoebury Common North car park

People with parking permits are not affected. 

Echo: The notice by Southend CouncilThe notice by Southend Council

Echo: Part of the new order affecting Shoebury East BeachPart of the new order affecting Shoebury East Beach