TAX payers have been left with a £360,000 bill to introduce a controversial new parking scheme.

Southend Council is set to agree a raft of changes to parking in the borough.

These include an annual permit for a monthly fee of £8.50 and a rise in fees, which will see visitors charged £18 a day to park.

The cost of introducing the scheme includes £90,000 paid to consultants. £60,000 on surveys and analysis, £180,000 for new signs, £20,000 to advertise it and £10,000 for a public consultation.

Ron Woodley, deputy leader of the council said: “We are introducing a scheme that is a first in the country and it has been welcomed by the majority of residents in the town.

“Only a handful of people have objected because they don’t want local people visiting the seafront. They want outside visitors.

“We have listened to what people have said and have introduced free parking after 6pm and reduced the daily fee from £24 to £18.”

Southend Seafront Traders Association has opposed the scheme, saying it will deter visitors.

Member Paul Thompson said: “£90k on consultants is a significant amount of tax payer funds given that the council has its own parking and highways officers already.

“I haven’t seen any research or financial forecasting for the Southend pass. Given the £360,000 cost of it I hope the gamble pays off and it works. Time will tell.”

The council is also spending £275,000 to boost a highways team to stop people parking on pavements and verges.

Mr Woodley added: “This is for an enforcement team to enforce the Highways Act which developers and residents have been ignoring.

“It is better than cost effective if it stops £2milion damage a year. For years there has been no money spent on highways and they have deteriorated rapidly. Our pavements are dangerous to walk on and it’s dangerous to drive on our streets. There has been years and years of lack of investment.”

Councillors will vote on the scheme at next Thursday’s full council meeting.

In 2019, resident Josie Hewitt launched a petition to bring in two hours of free parking in the town, which had 2,000 signatures.

Ms Hewitt, 56, of Cambridge Road, Southend, said: “I think this is an unbelievable amount of money. They can’t substantiate to residents what they have spent and why. After asking for information I have been told to submit a freedom of information request but I won’t get an answer before this week’s meeting.”