Readers have been having their say on plans to introduce new parking regulations and fees in Southend.

Plans to bring in four parking zones across the borough have been announced, with the highest zones on the seafront seeing a rise in hourly charges and a 24-hour rate priced at £24.

Seafront traders say the hike in fees will have a “devastating” impact and drive visitors away from visiting the town.

They have labelled the rise a 'tourist tax'.

But council bosses insist the proposed changes are a “good deal” and will hopefully bring more people to Southend.

Echo readers have been having their say on the proposals, and it’s fair to say the majority aren’t on board with the idea.

Writing on Facebook, Hugh Harrison said: “They (tourists) all go to Clacton.

“The council have got it right - FREE parking.

“Wake up Southend Council. You lost the sir show, what you got now won't draw the crowds?

There’s a shortage of seating and toilets. It’s a big let down

Valerie Pamela Smith said: “Feel sorry for the owners of the shops as people won’t bother to come to Southend.

“And I don’t blame them.”

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James Beales said: “Southend Council originally badged up at £7 a month in June 2020, it’s not even gone through full council and it’s already gone up to £8.50.

“What are the estimates for next year’s charge on that? £10? £12?

Carla Dowling said: “It will encourage tourists to park down private roads, leaving no spaces for the residents.

“The council are blinkered by pound signs, that's all they think about. They are obviously trying to get the money back for the ridiculous amounts of traffic wardens they sent out during this lockdown

Hayley Edwards added: "It just amazes me the common sense of some of these people..... Obviously I'm talking when its safer for everyone to do so but you want people to come to the town?

"You people to use the car parks? You want people to help our businesses etc and spend money?

"So why on earth would you hike the parking fees so high?!

"People who have already lost money because of their businesses/work being closed cant afford to pay those prices to park for the day when they go back to work.

"Locals and visitors wont pay those prices to visit the town. Families wont pay £10+ to park then be able to spend money in attractions etc in our town.

"Just doesnt make sense."

Council deputy leader, Ron Woodley, defended the new parking fee plan when speaking to the Echo earlier this week.

He said: “The parking charges are not unreasonable. People with a Southend Pass will only be paying for three hours and they can do that as often as they want throughout the month and year at only 28p. Now I don’t call that an increase.

"If you look at other seaside towns, Brighton is far more expensive. But does that stop people going to Brighton? No it doesn’t.

"It’s a very popular seaside town and their fees are far more higher than here.

"I’m very confident that people will take this up, I’m confident people in locality will look to that Southend pass and think it’s a good deal and hopefully it will bring more people to Southend”