SEAFRONT parking charges during the winter months could be slashed by up to 50 per cent under Labour, in a move branded “fiscal incoherence” by the Tories.

Days after an 11th hour Labour-led budget amendment resulted in the controversial 6pm to 9pm seafront parking charges being reintroduced, the group said if elected in May it will cut all off-season seafront parking charges.

Labour have said they would even consider a U-turn on the evening charges in winter.

However, Tory council leader Tony Cox claimed removing the charges would have a huge impact on council finances.

Daniel Cowan, Leader of the Labour Group, said: “I am delighted to be announcing this policy to introduce seasonal parking charges. Speaking with seafront business owners, we know this is a policy they’ve wanted for a long time and the next Labour administration will deliver it.

“The aim will be to reduce parking charges by a minimum of 30 per cent with a long-term aim to reduce them by 50 per cent.

“I’m confident this is something we can deliver. There will be a reduction in parking revenue when this is introduced but I believe some of that can be offset by an increased number of visitors.

“I also believe there are other things we can do with the creation of spaces as well as enhancing the attractiveness of the Southend Pass. I have had initial discussions with officers and it’s something we all believe is possible.”

Evening parking charges have proved controversial after being introduced by Labour in 2022.

The charge was scrapped when the Tories took over las year but have now been reintroduced due to the budget for 2024/25.

Asked if Labour would now also drop evening charges during the winter, Mr Cowan said: “That’s to be determined but my intention would be to look at that as well. We want to make the off season as attractive as possible while still making it financially viable.”

Tony Cox, leader of the Conservative Group, said: “They’re trashing their own budget. Their budget figures are predicated on those charges being there all year round. I didn’t believe the budget balanced then but it certainly doesn’t now. This is the financial incompetence.

“It just shows the fiscal incoherence. No wonder we had two budgets from them that didn’t balance. They’ve hijacked our budget and now they’re trashing their own budget.”