FREE parking is coming to Southend and Rochford this Christmas as councils drop charges to attract more customers.

Southend Council will introduce free parking at 14 locations on Thursday evenings and all day on Sundays to boost trade.

Rochford Council is following suit by making parking free on each Saturday before Christmas, but Basildon and Castle Point are yet to announce if parking will be free and when.

Tony Cox, Southend councillor responsible for transport, said: “We are delighted to repeat this free parking opportunity as it was very welcome last year.

“It gave residents, visitors to the town and retailers, a helping hand. It encourages people to stay longer, so they can make the most of our shops.”

Free parking will be available after 4pm on Thursday December the 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd and on Sunday December the 4th, 11th and 18th. Christmas Day will also have free parking.

The free parking is available at Alexandra Street, Clarence Road, Elmer Approach, Essex Street, Warrior Square, Elm Road, Leigh North Street, Leigh Ceylon Road, Thorpe Broadway, University Square, Tylers Avenue, London Road North, York Road Market and Seaway car park.

Free parking in Rochford will be available on the four Saturdays before Christmas, the 3rd, 10th, 17th and the 24th.

Keith Hudson, Rochford councillor responsible for planning and transportation, said: “Christmas is fast approaching and the council wishes to do all it can to assist both residents and businesses within our district.”

Brian Boyce, Basildon Council’s manager of technical and enforcement services, said: “We are currently looking at parking arrangements over the Christmas period, although no decision has yet been made.”

Basildon and Castle Point are both members of the newly-formed South Essex Parking Partnership, which is operated by Chelmsford Council.