MOTORISTS across south Essex could be offered the option of paying a monthly fee to park ANYWHERE in Southend for three hours on ANY day of the week.

The radical new plan is now being considered by the council.

If it gets the go-ahead then Southend would become the first town across the country to offer parking permits, for a set monthly fee.

The scheme would operate by a number plate recognition system.

It could see residents pay as little as £7 a month to shop or eat anywhere in the borough for three hours. Those who want to stay longer will have the option to top up at a ticket machine or through mobile app Mobon.

Alternatively, they would be able to simply move to another spot - for another three hours.

The plan is being spearheaded by Ron Woodley, deputy leader of the council, who said: “Residents would pay something like £1.75 a week to park as often as they want on any day in any area for up to three hours.

“This could be in Leigh or in the town centre or the seafront. Visitors from outside the area, as they get closer to the seafront, would be charged more because it costs millions to clear up after them every year and we shouldn’t be paying for that, they should.”

Mr Woodley added: “I don’t think residents have been treated fairly. Everyone who lives in south Essex could have a permit to entourage them use the facilities in Southend. Hopefully it would encourage more visitors to the town.

“At the moment it costs £1.90 for two hours so it’s a good deal. People would have time for lunch and shopping. If they want to stay they can.

“The scheme is being considered by officers who are looking at the technical aspects, but I know such a system is available and I believe we would be the first authority in the country to do it.”

Mr Woodley also wants to make life easier for tradesmen who currently have to pay a steep fee for a permit to park in restricted areas while carrying out jobs.

He said: “If tradesman need to park in restricted areas like yellow lines or in resident permit areas they have to pay £30 a week so they don’t.

“We want to offer a £10 to £12 a month scheme where they could work anywhere. They would just have to leave a note on the windscreen saying where they were working.

“We want to make it easier for people to work here without worrying about restricted areas.”