KEY workers can now park in all council run car parks in Southend for free.

Southend Council has said key workers doing essential work during the coronavirus pandemic can apply for a free, three-month temporary permit that allows them to park in all the borough’s council owned car parks and bays.

More than 180 emergency services including police, ambulance and fire brigade workers, NHS staff and volunteers helping with the cronavirus pandemic have already applied.

However, these permit holders cannot park in loading bays, footways, single or double yellow lines, bus stops, zig-zag markings or disabled persons parking bays.

Key workers can visit the council's website to apply for the permits.

They are virtual, so no paperwork is needed. Successful applicants will have their vehicle registration number logged onto the patrol system.

Ron Woodley, cabinet member for transport, capital and inward investment, said: "We are pleased to offer this three month key worker parking permit, which should allow our amazing key workers across the borough to get around the town to carry out essential work, and make their own lives a little easier at this difficult time.

"We want to show our appreciation and thanks to the amazing work each and every one of you are doing, so please do get in touch if this permit applies to you."

The temporary permits are valid for three months at a time.

Applicants will need to re-apply once their permit has expired. The scheme and its terms and conditions will be regularly monitored and reviewed.

Visit www.southend.gov.uk/parkingpermits to apply.

View a full list of key workers on the GOV.UK website.