Possible rise in car park charges on the agenda

Drivers could be paying extra to park their vehicles in some Essex car parks, with a local authority set to review its charges.

Castle Point Borough Council is considering new and increased fees in Canvey Island, Benfleet and Hadleigh.

The authority's overview and scrutiny committee is due to discuss the plans at a meeting on Wednesday.

Michael Fuller, the council's portfolio member for the environment, said: "It is important to note that at this stage no final decisions have been taken."

He added: "This meeting provides an opportunity for cross-party councillors to thoroughly review the proposed parking strategy and examine impacts prior to any cabinet decision."

The council said it might increase fees for the Knightswick Shopping Centre on Canvey, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

It is also proposing new charges for short stays at Castle Lane, Hadleigh, and new fees at Homestead Road car park to match tariffs at Rectory Road car park.

There could be upgrades and replacements for all pay-and-display machines, and the plans include installing charging points for electric vehicles.

There will also be a review of the borough's seafront car parks during the off-season, including Labworth car park on Canvey, to see if events such as markets can be held there.

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