SEAFRONT car parks are set to re-open from this weekend as part of tentative steps to emerge from lockdown but council bosses are still urging daytrippers to avoid visiting Southend.

In the wake of restrictions on travel and exercise being lifted, Southend Council will re-open the majority of seafront parking bays, although some will remain suspended.

Seafront parking bays along City Beach, and all those along Western Esplanade which are required to enable the contraflow system will remain suspended.

Parking enforcement across the borough will also resume from Monday, including pay-anddisplay areas and where seasonal parking restrictions are in place.

However, one-hour restrictions in residential areas will not be enforced until Monday, June 1 and enforcement of resident or business permits will not take place for four weeks, although expired permits must continue to be displayed.

The council is also looking at providing free parking for NHS and key workers from next week.

The council said the move is part of a “balanced approach that has been decided on after considering a number of practical options and measures”.

Residents are asked to selfenforce social distancing while queuing and to use Mobon, the parking app which allow cashless and contact free payment for parking.

Ron Woodley, deputy leader of the council, said: “Following the Government announcement on Sunday, we have considered a number of options and measures and decided quickly on what we feel is a balanced approach to protecting local people and businesses, but also respecting the new national instructions.

“The national announcement stated that people are now able to drive to exercise and so we need to open our car parks again, but we also need to ensure people can keep two metres apart, and the contraflow will help achieve that.

Paul Thompson, owner of Pebbles one cafe in Western Esplanade, Southend, said: “Seafront take-away businesses along the golden mile have remained closed for the last two months on a voluntary basis in conjunction with the council.

“Following on from the latest Government advice, opening beaches for recreational purposes and recommending travel to beaches by car, the council has decided to re-open their car parks.

“Businesses welcome this news and many businesses are now working with the council in preparation for opening this weekend. Southend is now open for business.