Commuters may have to pay hundreds of pounds for parking at sites near stations which are currently free.

Southend Council plans to install extra paid parking at Leigh, Southend East and Shoebury stations, along the c2c line from Shoebury to London Fenchurch Street.

It is considering adding 60 spaces to the East Beach car park, near Shoebury station, as well as setting up pay and display parks near Leigh and Southend East which are now free of charge.

On the hit list will be the car park on Two Tree Island, near Leigh station, and the south side of Riviera Drive, near Southend East station, which have been popular with motorists fed up with expensive parking charges elsewhere.

The plans will be discussed at Thursday's traffic and parking working party.

They have drawn the ire of commuters, who have already faced above-inflation increases for Tube and rail tickets this year, as well as a doubling of off-peak parking charges at many c2c stations.

Peter Slattery, chairman of Southend Rail Travellers' Association, said: "It's not good news for commuters. These parking spaces have been used for free for many years.

"It's another blow with all the other increases out there. This is the third whammy to hit commuters this year."

The council says the move would help deter commuters clogging up residential roads. To help with this, it is also considering one-hour parking restrictions or resident parking schemes.

Mark Williams, who lives near Leigh station, said he would be in favour of a permit scheme for residents. He said: "There is a one-hour parking restriction already in place, which is a problem for the residents of the area. I can't leave my car outside my house now because I will get a parking ticket."

The council said residents would have a chance to comment on the plans.