SEAFRONT traders have claimed they are losing business and being forced to shut early as a result of controversial parking charges. 

Charges for previously free 6pm to 9pm parking on the seafront came into effect on July 1 after Labour and independent councillors hijacked the former Tory administration’s budget proposals - angering traders. 

A petition by Marc Miller, managing director at Adventure Island and chairman of the Seaside Partnership, is set to be discussed at next Thursday’s cabinet meeting but councillors have been recommended to “take no further action”,

Daniel Cowan, Labour council leader, has insisted he is confident the council is “striking the right balance” and revealed off-season reductions are being worked on. 

James Nicholls, owner of Ye Olde Chippy on the seafront, said businesses are not expecting “miracles” but just “want help.” 

(Image: Michael Robinson)

He added: “When it was free after 6pm, it was fantastic, since the parking has gone up until 9pm, we’ve seen a drop in trade and I think the parking charges are just too expensive.

“The longer people stay, the more chance they will spend more money on the seafront. Sometimes where we would see ourselves stay open till 10pm, now we’re closing as the evening trade isn’t there.”

Owners of the Seafood Shack, Sandy Van Deventer and Wendy Church, say the charges are “extortionate” for those looking to visit the seafront.

Ms Church added: “We are now having to contemplate shutting early two days a week because people aren’t coming out or staying out.”

(Image: Michael Robinson)

Ms Van Deventer added: “That’s purely because of the parking charges. People cannot afford to park.”

Mr Cowan also highlighted the reduction in prices across the city and the Southend Pass, which allows residents to park for free in the evenings. 

He said: “Our parking charges saw a reduction in price for zone 1b, zone 2, and zone 3 by an average of 11 per cent and Southend Pass holders are exempt from evening charges. Latest figures show our transactions are up on comparative periods from last year, notwithstanding influences such as the weather.

“We will be introducing off season reductions as part of the fees for 2025/26 which are currently being worked on. We’re confident we’re striking the right balance between supporting businesses across the city, offering good value to residents and visitors, and generating the income we need to invest in our roads and keeping our seafront clean.

“The Southend Pass is great value for our residents, offering 13 hours of parking per day and exemption from evening charges for just 34p a day.”