MOTORISTS can buy one hour's parking and get another for free in council-run car parks as part of a drive to boost trade.

From Monday (July 13), drivers across the borough will be able to buy a one-hour parking ticket and get one hour free, and they can also park free from 4pm.

The offer applies seven days a week in car parks only (not on-street bays) and is only applicable to a one-hour parking ticket.

The additional free hour will not be shown on the pay and display ticket but will be added by the civil enforcement officer when checking vehicles.

Parking will also be free from 4pm in these locations as well. The scheme runs until the end of September.

Cllr Ron Woodley, cabinet member for transport, capital and inward investment, says: “I am pleased to launch this new parking offer that will run until the end of September. I hope this encourages people to visit their local shopping areas and the seafront and will play a part in kickstarting the local economy once again.

“We are serious about supporting local businesses and local people as we move towards recovery and this is a clear demonstration and investment into that.

“The free one-hour for short stay parkers recognises that shopping can take a little longer in the current climate, and making parking free from 4pm will allow people to enjoy an evening meal out or a trip down to the seafront for nothing. It also means people can park from 2pm across the Borough and only have to pay for one hour to cover the rest of the day, which we hope will encourage more visitors and shoppers across our Borough.”

Suzanne Gloyne, Southend BID manager, says: “This is a good initiative that we hope will drive more shoppers into their local shopping areas and to our seafront at a time when we need it the most. Please do Visit Southend safely though. Plan your visit, respect staff, keep your distance from others and don’t visit if you have Covid-19 symptoms.”

Marc Miller, Managing Director of Stockvale, and a member of the local stakeholder group dealing with relaxation measures says: “This new parking offer is very much welcomed at this difficult time for businesses. As we look to recovery, any measure that encourages more people to come and spend money in Southend-on-Sea is a good thing and I look forward to it starting and monitoring its impact.”

Signage has been installed at all council owned car parks promoting the offer, with the MOBON app also being amended to reflect the changes.