TWO leading Southend businessmen have ramped up their campaign against “unfair” evening seafront parking charges, warning the move will “hit residents hardest” despite being targeted at day-trippers and tourists.
James Sinclair, who owns Rossi’s ice cream and a host of other businesses, and Adventure Island owner Philip Miller are furious by the proposals and have now joined together to thwart the proposed rise.
Southend’s Labour, Lib Dem, and Independent opposition is behind the extra 6pm to 9pm charges and have insisted the charges are aimed at tourists while residents can benefit from an 11 per cent parking price cut elsewhere in the city.
But James Sinclair, who owns three ice cream shops along the seafront, says the area could be “massively affected”, adding.
“People expect to pay for parking, but it should be fair. Asking them to pay after 6pm is just ridiculous. All the great attractions that bring people to the seafront also bring parking revenue.
“Don’t kill the golden goose. People will find cheaper places to go. That’s why they go to Lakeside and Bluewater, where parking is free.”
Mr Miller offers half-price tickets after 6pm, which help “hard-up families”, and says they could be negatively impacted by additional parking charges.
He said: “We get more local trade in the evenings than we do from out of town. A big chunk of our revenue comes from locals. When they talk about making tourists pay more, they’re actually hitting residents. It’s nuts, I tell you.”
Mr Sinclair says staff working along the seafront are also likely to be hit badly, as they must pay to park or “face a 20-minute walk” to free spaces.
Rossi Parlour employee Paris Dare said: “As staff, we feel much safer being able to park directly outside for free in the evenings. We don’t want to walk alone in the dark, but we also don’t want to have to pay to work.”
Martin Terry, Independent councillor for Thorpe, says business owners should support the Southend Pass.
He said: “It’s in business owners’ interests to promote the Southend Pass. Adventure Island season ticket holders could save a fortune on parking. Personal safety is very important. Staff can get a Southend Pass which covers more than one car.”
'Purchasing the Southend Pass will resolve all fears'
Business owners and regular seafront visitors who are concerned about parking charge hikes should purchase the Southend Pass, a councillor has said.
Martin Terry, Independent councillor for Thorpe, is one of the councillors behind the the proposed additional evening charges on the seafront but insists the pass would resolve many of the concerns.
The parking pass allows residents to pay an annual fee to park in the council’s car parks.
Mr Terry said: “We get seven million visitors to Southend a year. Many of them drive cars on our roads. Our roads have been flagged as the worst in the country for potholes. Surely, it’s fair to ask visitors to make a contribution to their repairs?”
Amid concerns from seafront traders who benefit from passers-by stopping in to grab a takeaway, Mr Terry says he would support 20 minutes’ free parking bays along Western Esplanade.
He added: “If there are free drop-ins on City Beach, I don’t see why there shouldn’t be elsewhere.
“We welcome visitors, but it costs a lot of money to maintain and manage the seafront. Why should city taxpayers have to cover those costs?
“Anyone can get the Southend Pass, wherever they live. Why not get 15 hours’ parking for 34p a day?
“And they don’t have to pay £125 in one go, they can spread the cost over a period of time.”
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