Arrangements for parking coaches in Southend-on-Sea have changed with immediate effect. Coaches should now park on Lucy Road, a one-way street which lies between the previous Seaway facilities and the beach.
CBW investigated after being contacted by a coach driver who expressed his concern about where he should park. A temporary sign placed around a lamp post at the current Seaway coach and coach park simply stated that the “coach and lorry bays” were suspended “from Tuesday, August 2 until further notice” and that the purpose is to “provide extra car bays.” However, the sign gave no information to coach drivers about any alternative provision, if any, being available.
Responding to CBW’s questions about where coach drivers are supposed to park and or drop-off & pick-up, and what drivers and operators are advised to do, a spokesperson for Southend-on-Sea Borough Council said: “This is the largest seafront car park for Southend and the council has been asked to free up these spaces for more cars, which it has accommodated.
“However, recognising the importance of those arriving by coach, new bays are being provided along Lucy Road, adjacent to the car park.
“Whilst the overall number of spaces has been reduced, the new bays are free of charge and local businesses, including Adventure Island and Pebbles, are also helping support the coach industry by kindly offering free refreshments to drivers.
“In addition, there are several drop off points also at the seafront, allowing coaches to drop off their passengers right on the seafront.
“We are currently looking at how we can better communicate these changes to coach drivers, which includes rationalising our signage in the area and creating new online and printed literature to direct drivers to drop-off points.”
