A HOTEL owner has slammed plans to add charges to previously free seafront parking bays amid fears guests will have to rush out of bed in the morning to move their cars.

A sign has been placed along Eastern Esplanade by Southend Council proposing to introduce parking charges on bays which have previously been free to use for residents and tourists.

A war of words has broken out between political parties in the city over who is at fault for the charges being introduced, but Robert Cammidge, owner of Camelia Hotel, fears the impact on businesses is being overlooked.

The bays were previously free throughout the day, but under the proposals would be charged from 8am until 9pm.

Mr Cammidge, said: “We are a family-owned business, employing 40 people, with a busy restaurant and hotel with 32 rooms. This is something that benefits Southend as a whole.

“Most people drive to Southend, and everything is price conscious these days, the extra cost of parking will be off putting.

“There is also the concern of people staying overnight and parking costs starting at 8am. The last thing you want if you are away is worrying about paying for parking first thing in the morning.”

Independent councillors have been distributing leaflets to residents urging them to object the plan, however the Tory administration have claimed the extra charges where part of the budget amendments proposed by the Labour, Lib Dems, Independents, and Green opposition earlier this year.

Yolanda Hance, owner of Yoie’s Ice Cream Parlour, added: “We are not happy about this. People pull up out the front to stop and get food from our ‘takeaway’ business, how are they able to do this with permits and pay metres.

“It is not fair and will be detrimental to my business along with others on this stretch. The fact it is free parking attracts people to come.”

Martin Terry, Independent councillor responsible for Thorpe ward, added: “This part is completely unique, there is a reason these bays are free.

“The knock-on effects haven’t been thought about. When the budget was discussed, this was not mentioned at all.”

Tony Cox, Tory leader of the council, insisted the changes were introduced by the opposition, who voted for the budget that included the charges alongside new 6pm to 9pm seafront charges.