The Council is working alongside partners to ensure a fun and safe Easter weekend for all as we look forward to welcoming lots of visitors to the City.
The public will see a visible presence of council teams, including community safety officers, the Business Improvement District (BID) rangers, beach welfare officers, pier and foreshore staff, along with parking marshals, enforcement officers and Veolia teams, as well as other contractors and agencies as Essex Police.
Operations are supported by the council's CCTV team which plays a vital role in monitoring and reporting suspicious or criminal behaviour and potential flashpoints, along with reuniting lost children and their family. The council's CCTV van will also be operating along the seafront and across the City keeping a close eye on everyone's safety and wellbeing.
Traditionally large numbers of motorbikes meet on the seafront on Easter Monday. Although there is no official event this year many bikers may still visit. Any motorbikes arriving at the seafront on Easter Monday will be directed to Eastern Esplanade car park (formerly known as Gas Works car park). Marine Parade will be open to through traffic, a small number of parking bays will be suspended and barriers will be in place to ensure public safety and to protect pedestrian areas being accessed by motorbikes. Crossing points will be marshalled.
Alan Richards, executive director for environment and place, said: “We want everyone visiting to feel safe and welcome, to have a great time and to look forward to coming again.
“We're working across the council and with Essex Police to ensure we are all set for a busy weekend whatever the weather. We ask that anyone spending time in the City is respectful towards the city and the staff working to keep everyone safe. Please bin any litter or take it home. If everyone does their bit, then we can all enjoy a fun and safe Easter weekend to the full.
“We will keep all public protection measures under review throughout the day and will be monitoring the weather forecast. Our plans will be flexible and where possible, we will be ready to remove barriers quickly for example.
“The area is covered by extensive CCTV and there is a Public Space Protection Order in place to deal with any anti-social behaviour should it occur.”
Please plan your visit
For more information on car parks and charges, visit the car parking page.
There are now a number of ways you can pay for parking, alongside the machines in place.
We have the RingGo and Mobon parking apps, which once downloaded, allows you to select your location and pay for parking as you go. If you decide to spend more time in the City, you can easily extend your parking without returning to your car.
For visitors who know they'll be returning, there is also the Southend Pass, which for £10 per month, offers three hours of parking every day in each parking zone.
You can also take the train into Southend-on-Sea via the Greater Anglia and c2c lines. Check their website for further information on any service alterations: