Parking permits in Southend
Southend-on-Sea Borough Council would like to clarify the situation regarding parking permits following recent media coverage.
Contrary to what has been reported NO decision has been taken to replace the current system where paper permits are issued to councillors.
Towards the end of last year the Council’s parking contractors APCOA suggested the authority might make savings if it switched to a paper-free parking dispensation system.
Very early exploratory discussions have taken place and APCOA was in the process of producing a detailed proposal for the Council to consider. The Council has yet to receive the proposal.
‘Paper free’ systems offer potential savings in relation to ALL permits, not just those issued to councillors.
These include permits used by Council officers for use in the line of their duties, resident parking permits, carer permits and all other discretionary permits.
If such a system were to be adopted in the future it would not affect where and when Councillors and Council officers were able to park.
As with the current system they would be trusted not to abuse their parking dispensations and expected to pay for tickets when using car parks and bays on personal business.
