Revenue from new car parks near Southend rail stations could be used to improve road safety across the borough.

Southend Council is considering adding 60 spaces to the East Beach car park near Shoebury station, as well as introducing paid parking on Two Tree Island near Leigh Station and the south side of Riviera Drive near Southend East station. It is currently free to park at these last two sites.

Brian Kelly, executive councillor responsible for the best use of council resources (Con, Southchurch) said the project would "be a chance to increase the pot for our road safety."

However, the council could introduce charges at Leigh marshes to make it difficult for commuters to park there all day.

This is because the council believes the car park at Two Tree should be available for people visiting the area.

Mr Kelly added: "At Leigh marshes we could have no parking before 10am or else a charge for up to 10am so it would deter commuters."

Mr Kelly said the current site on Two Tree Island should still be open to people visiting Leigh or going for a walk on the island.

John Lamb (Con, West Leigh) said: "We can make some income and deter commuters from coming there. They're coming from all over."

Peter Wexham (Lib Dem, Leigh) suggested restricting any charges on the Leigh site to work days.

He said: "The actual car park is there for users of Two Tree Island, people walking their dog or going for a walk, or for people going into Leigh."

Members of the traffic and parking working party voted for council officers to launch an official study into the feasibility, costs and benefits of introducing paid parking at the three stations.

An initial draft will be produced in March.