COUNCILLORS can now park for free in car parks across the town.

The 51 members of Southend Council have been sent passes, worth £800, to leave their vehicles at any of the council-owned car parks.

Opposition leaders have said the move will cost the council thousands of pounds in lost revenue, but bosses at the Civic Centre say it will save money.

In the past, councillors have been issued with passes for the Civic Centre car park, in Victoria Avenue, only for use when attending council and committee meetings.

However, they could claim money back for parking, when on official council business.

Martin Terry, leader of the Independent group on the council, said: “I do not think councillors should be getting free perks like this in the current economic climate, and with feelings running high about expenses as a whole.

“As a group, we think it is unacceptable and will all be sending them back and making it clear we think this is not the right thing to be doing.”

Council chief executive, Rob Tinlin, said there had been a trial of a new system this year, which was designed to save money.

He added: “In the past, councillors have been able to claim back car parking costs when they have been on official business in the town, and using council car parks other than the Civic Centre.

“As an experiment, we decided to see if it would be more economical for the council to issue these passes, rather than paying through members’ expenses.”

Mr Tinlin said the passes were only to be used when members were on official council business around the town.

He added: “If any member has been using these passes for just popping down the shops, or doing anything else which is a private matter, and not a council issue, then I shall definitely have something to say to them about it.”