Engaging disabled people on the future of pavement cafes at major locations across Liverpool is ‘vital’ according to a senior city councillor.
Cllr Pam Thomas, Liverpool Council cabinet member for equality, inclusion and diversity, said the eruption of such sites in areas like Lark Lane and Bold Street had “caused problems” for disabled people since springing up amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The local authority executive today endorsed a proposal to implement longer term experimental traffic regulation orders (ETRO) with a view to the permanent adoption of pedestrianisation at those streets, as well as Castle Street and Roscoe Street.
As the need for restrictions became more apparent as coronavirus spread in June 2020, the Liverpool Without Walls (LWW) programme was introduced to allow businesses to offer al fresco seating and dining options. The scheme, which supported jobs in the hospitality sector, was implemented through temporary traffic regulation orders (TTRO) and, businesses are keen for the closures to remain in place.
READ MORE: Man rang police demanding they return his van used for fly tipping
While Cllr Thomas said “the idea behind it was good” she raised concerns that disabled people must form a part of discussions on the future of the scheme. She said: “This is about management of pavement cafes.
“It’s absolutely vital disabled people are involved, not just in a consultation.” Since pavement licences were introduced during the pandemic, there has been a potential loss of income around £1m to the council but its executive moved ahead with the plans this morning anyway.
The current temporary traffic regulation orders for the three locations expire this year and the implementation of ETRO will allow the council to monitor the situation and make adjustments as necessary during the initial consultation period, while the carriageways are used to accommodate the outdoor seating areas. The proposed order will continue the closure of more than 50 parking and loading bays.
The measures on Lark Lane have been the subject of separate discussions and works have been carried out recently to improve the environment and address access issues for the disabled, the report said. Hospitality premises will be required to apply to the council for a pavement licence under the scheme.
Businesses with a pavement licence approved on or before July 22 will need to reapply if they want to continue using outdoor seating areas after the end of this month. Each ETRO at the three locations will include an initial six month consultation period during their 18 months of operation.
READ NEXT
Liverpool's 'disastrous' Car Free Day abandoned early amid traffic chaos
Full-time chief executive expected at Liverpool Council by May
Future of street traders around Sefton Park in the balance
Plans for 236 studios in Baltic Triangle rejected again on appeal
Abuse and intimidation of councillors 'increasing' as police called over anonymous email
