Cookie Policy

This Cookie Policy explains how Driveways Southend (“we”, “us”, “our”) uses cookies and similar technologies on our website. It should be read with our Privacy Policy.

1) What are cookies (and similar tech)?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device to remember information.
We may also use local storage, pixels/tags, and SDKs that operate similarly.
Cookies are either first-party (set by us) or third-party (set by another provider, e.g., analytics).

2) Why we use them (categories)

Depending on the page and your choices, we may use:

Strictly necessary (no consent required): enable core site functions, security, load balancing, cookie-consent logging, form submissions.
Performance/analytics (consent): understand visits and page performance to improve the site (e.g., aggregated stats such as page views, device types).
Functionality (consent): remember preferences (e.g., saved details, language).
Advertising/marketing (consent, only if used): measure campaigns or show relevant content; not required for basic site use.

Under PECR and UK GDPR, we seek your consent for any non-essential cookies. Strictly necessary cookies are used on legitimate interests to operate the site.

3) Your choices & how to manage cookies

Cookie banner & settings: On first visit you’ll see a banner. You can accept all, reject non-essential, or choose categories. You can change your choice anytime via the “Cookie Settings” link (typically in the footer).
Browser controls: You can block or delete cookies via your browser settings. Blocking some cookies may affect site functionality.
Withdraw consent: If you previously consented, you can withdraw it at any time in Cookie Settings; this will disable non-essential cookies going forward.

4) Retention

Session cookies expire when you close your browser.
Persistent cookies last for a defined period (days to months). Exact durations are listed in the table below where applicable.

5) Third parties & international transfers

Some cookies may be set by third-party providers (for example, analytics or embedded content). These providers may process data outside the UK. Where this occurs, we rely on lawful transfer mechanisms (e.g., adequacy decisions or UK IDTA/SCCs with supplementary measures).

6) Example cookies we may use

Note: Actual cookies can vary over time and by page. Your Cookie Settings pop-up displays the current list and purposes.

Category	Cookie (example)	Provider	Purpose	Typical Expiry
Strictly necessary	`cookie_consent`, `cookie_preferences`	First-party	Stores your consent choices so we don’t ask every visit	6–12 months
Strictly necessary	`__cf_bm` (if used)	Cloudflare	Bot/traffic management & security	30 minutes
Strictly necessary	`csrftoken` / `XSRF-TOKEN` (if used)	First-party	Protects forms from CSRF attacks	2–12 months
Performance	`_ga`, `_ga_*` (if used)	Google Analytics	Aggregated analytics: pages, sessions, devices	13 months
Performance	`_gid` (if used)	Google Analytics	Short-term session differentiation	24 hours
Performance	`_clck`, `_clsk` (if used)	Microsoft Clarity	Anonymous UX metrics (heatmaps/session counts)	1–12 months
Functionality	`preferred_language` / `site_prefs` (if used)	First-party	Saves site preferences	6–12 months
Marketing	`fbp` / `fr` (if used)	Meta	Campaign measurement/attribution	3 months
Marketing	`ads/ga-audiences` (if used)	Google Ads	Remarketing/ads optimisation	Session

If we introduce or remove vendors, your Cookie Settings panel and this policy will be updated.

7) Legal bases

Strictly necessary: processed on legitimate interests (to run a secure, working website).
All other categories: processed with your consent, which you can withdraw at any time.

8) Changes to this policy

We may update this policy to reflect site or legal changes. We’ll post the latest version here with the date above.

9) Contact us

For any questions about cookies or your choices, please contact:

Driveways Southend
Beecroft House, Lambourne Hall Road, Rochford, Essex, SS4 3PG, United Kingdom