SOUTHEND Council has backtracked on it's original proposal for parking hikes in the town, but what exactly has been changed?

The Echo has compiled a list of all the changes that the cabinet agreed this afternoon, following major criticism of the plan from opposition councillors, businesses, traders, and MP's.

  • Charging hours in zone 1a, the central seafront area, will now be 8am to 6pm - this means that those parking will only need to buy a parking ticket to cover them until 6pm, and will have free parking after 6pm.

Enforcement will continue after 6pm, but only for issues such as parking on double yellow lines

  • Hours of charging at the 125-space Shorefield Road car park, next to the Cliffs Pavilion, will reduce to 8am to 6pm - this will mean theatre guests and restaurant goers will be able to park for free after 6pm.

Charges currently apply from 9am to 9pm.

  • Hours of charging at the 80-space Cliffs Pavilion car park will reduce to 8am to 6pm - this will mean theatre guests and restaurant goers will be able to park for free after 6pm.

Charges currently apply from 7am to 7pm.

  • On-street parking bays in zone 1a will have five and six hour options introduced as opposed to moving from four hours to the full rate.
  • The charge for seven to ten hours in zone 1a will be £18, not £24 as previously proposed.

This will be applicable to those who park before noon and intend to stay longer than six hours.

  • The 50 per cent discount for the full day rate for those staying overnight in hotels and guest houses who have signed up to the scheme in Zone 1a and Zone 1b, the town centre, will remain in place, meaning an overnight stay will be a maximum of £9 in zone 1a and £6 in zone 1b for those signed up.
  • Thorpe Esplanade car park will move into zone 1a

The plans are subject to approval at a full council meeting on February 25.