Southend Borough Council is being urged to rethink its plan to double car parking charges in parts of the town.
James Duddridge MP warned the move could have a detrimental impact on the town’s recovery from the pandemic.
He made the intervention after receiving a number of complaints about the proposals from local businesses and residents.
Under the plans put forward in the draft council budget, a central seafront car park in "zone 1 a" would see the cost of a day ticket rise from £12 to £24.
James said:
“Visitors are the lifeblood of Southend’s economy, and I share the concerns of local businesses who have contacted me about the impact these new parking charges will have.
“Tourism is going to play a big part in Southend’s Covid-19 recovery, and we should be putting measures in place to increase Southend’s appeal ready for when we can welcome visitors back again.
“Sadly, I do not feel a parking charge increase in some areas is the right way forward, and I join businesses and local Conservative councillors in urging Southend Borough Council to rethink these proposals.”
