Southend-on-Sea has new arrangements for coach parking.
Coaches can park from 0900-1700 hrs every day for £22 at the Arriva Short Street depot.
Drivers are required to book a space in advance by calling 01702 442407 between 0900hrs and 1200hrs Monday to Friday.
Included with coach parking is a voucher for a free lunch at Pebbles Café on the seafront.
The Arriva depot also has coach wash facilities for £10 per vehicle.
Operators wishing to park after 1700hrs and before 0900hrs can do so on Short Street (without getting a ticket), adjacent to the Arriva bus depot.
Overnight parking for coaches and lorries is available at nearby Warrior Square just off the main high street. A PDF map detailing these new parking arrangements, set-down and pick-up points is available here.
Scott Dolling, Director of Culture, Tourism and Property at Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, says: “With several drop-off points along the seafront, drivers will still be able to drop off passengers close to the beach and main attractions, park up securely and then walk back to the seafront for a free lunch.”
Andy Warrender of the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) says: “We have been working closely with Southend-on-Sea Borough Council and our members over the past few months to ensure that suitable coach parking and set-down/pick-up points were provided in Southend following the recent withdrawal of coach parking at the Seaway car park.
“We are pleased to learn that the new facility on Short Street, provided by one of our bus operator members, Arriva, allows coaches to park safely and securely in a location close to many of the town’s main attractions.”