SOUTHEND council has decided to put up new, larger signs to inform motorists of recent controversial parking changes made to accommodate a new tourist poppy attraction.

Last week, the Echo reported how Southend Council had handed out 69 parking fines to drivers over the bank holiday weekend after making changes to parking restrictions in Ness Road, Shoebury.

The street had previously been free for anyone to park in, but the council has now decided to allocate it for disabled and coach parking while the poppy exhibition is on display at Barge Pier.

Members of the public were outraged to find they had been fined after unknowingly parking in the street.

They claimed the small notices attached to lamp posts were insufficient to let people know of such significant changes.

The council has now decided to install new, more prominent signs in the street to let motorists know they are not to park there.

Yet a council spokesman has insisted that the original signs were in line with statutory requirements and that the new signs that are being installed are “above and beyond” what the council is required to install.

The spokesman added: “We have a fair and rigorous appeals process for anyone who believes they have been unfairly fined.”

The council is encouraging anyone who feels they were issued a ticket unfairly to follow the correct procedures and appeal their penalty charge notice. All appeals will be considered on their own merit, the spokesman added.