People are being urged to have their say in a consultation document on residents' parking schemes in Southend.

Councillors have put the finishing touches to the document which will be sent to residents in three zones in the borough next month.

Residents are being warned that no scheme will be able to guarantee them a space outside their home and any scheme will need to be self-financing.

In addition, the cost of any scheme will depend on how many residents respond to the document expressing a keen interest in paying for permits.

The more that are willing to apply, the cheaper the permits will be.

The council has set aside £200,000 to look into residents parking schemes in areas around Southend town centre; around Leigh Broadway shopping area and in the Westborough area, including Southend Hospital.

West Leigh ward councillor Howard Briggs (Con), told the traffic and parking committee: "This is not a token consultation.

"What worries me is if only 20 per cent of residents reply we will be guessing about the solutions and that is the last thing we want to do."

Published Monday, January 27, 2003

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