A new parking pass will be introduced in Southend in the coming weeks.

The scheme is being launched by Southend Council which claims it will mean residents with the pass will be able to park for as little as 28 per day. 

The pass has also been extended to people living outside the town to address concerns it may drive visitors and tourists away. 

It can be bought via a new Southend parking app, which launches on Monday. 

The annual pass, which will cost £8.50 per month or £102 per year, will be available for use from April 1.

It includes three hours parking every day in each of the four new zones, in any council owned car parks, or on-street pay-by-phone or pay and display parking bays.

Once parked, motorists can activate their parking session on the app.

They will then be given three hours before they are then sent a text advising them their parking time is up.

A parking session can be 'topped up' for an additional charge. 

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For those who don’t want to buy the Southend Pass, they can pay in the usual way, including via the parking app, text message, telephone and cash.

The council's deputy leader and transport boss Ron Woodley said: “The Southend Pass will help encourage residents and visitors to explore the town, visiting different shops, restaurants, parks and open spaces across the borough, increasing the spend in local shops and boosting the local economy.

"With the Government roadmap in place, we know that people are going to be looking ahead at where they can visit this year, and we want them to pick Southend-on-Sea.

“I am delighted that the system will be live from next week, and that we are be able to offer the pass to people who live outside of the borough too, which will encourage more use of local shops, cafes and restaurants and our many attractions.

"The more people who have the chance to buy the Southend Pass means more potential visitors to boost the local economy.

“Even if someone uses the pass once a week, they will still see incredible benefits, with parking costing the equivalent of £2.12 for three hours in each zone, the pass will be ideal for people who live across south Essex and want to visit all our borough has to offer, or for those who want to spend a few hours in the town centre shopping, and then a trip to Leigh or Shoebury."

Anyone wishing to buy a pass but does not have a smartphone is asked to contact the parking team on 01702 215003.

Mr Woodley added: "“It is also worth highlighting that as part of our fees and charges, visitors staying overnight in our hotels or guest houses will also still be able to access a 50% reduction off of the daily charge if parking is booked through them.”