The future of free parking after 6pm in Liverpool city centre could be clearer in a week’s time.
A consultation into the future of on-street parking in the city centre concludes next Monday and could spell the end for late night shoppers hoping to leave their cars in town for free. Liverpool Council confirmed the launch of the survey last month as it looks to develop a strategy to modernise its provision and improve congestion and air quality through the city. The engagement exercise is asking for public views on Liverpool’s controlled parking zone (CPZ) - a regulated area where on-street parking is restricted by law between the hours of 8am to 6pm.
Under new proposals put forward, charges at public pay and display and other parking bays would be enforced between 7am to 11pm. In addition, fees to park within the CPZ would increase by 10p per half hour.
READ MORE: Masked thugs ambush man on his drive and steal £4,000
Currently, 30 minutes parking costs £1.20, this would go up to £1.30. Up to an hour would increase to £2.50 from £2.40.
Parking times for pay and display bays would also be limited to a maximum stay of two hours, with no return within an hour. The local authority said the proposed extension of the charging period is aimed at creating more spaces for those holding residents and business permits.
The plans have been met with a mix of views from the Town Hall to the city’s business and leisure districts. Cllr Mirna Juarez, Liberal Democrat member for Allerton and Hunts Cross told a meeting of Liverpool Council’s strategic development and housing committee that she felt it would have a "a detrimental impact on our night time economy and shoppers who like to shop late. I don't think this is a good idea."
An increase by 10p per half hour would help to cover the cost of the changes required and contribute to the ongoing operation and enforcement, according to Liverpool Council and would be “significantly lower” than other core cities throughout the UK. Cabinet member Cllr Sarah Doyle told the same meeting that moving towards reducing cars in the city centre was a direction the council needed to head in, as well as increasing charges for those that do come in.
When the consultation was announced last month, Bill Addy, chief executive of the Liverpool BID Company, said it was time the city had a conversation about car use and safe parking. The boss of the the organisation supporting hundreds of businesses across Liverpool said they “should always have a say and make sure they are a part of the vital conversations shaping the city’s future.”
Confirming the consultation, Cllr Liam Robinson, Liverpool Council cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said the city centre had “changed beyond recognition” and with the population growing massively in the last two decades, additional pressures were being felt in relation to parking spaces. The plans were greeted by criticism from the public, with many saying if the decision went ahead it would "kill the high street" and led people to go to the Trafford Centre instead.
Vinny Oliveria said: "Don't go shopping in Liverpool as much now to expensive to park plus tunnel money costs at least £25 pound for a round trip to Liverpool from Ellesmere Port petrol, tunnel, car parking charges. Best city in the world but the council need to stop, this rip off."
Ivegot Metopov said: "This is a ridiculous decision and will simply drive shoppers away from Liverpool One and to the Trafford Centre." Once the council has analysed the consultation feedback, it will then make an assessment on proceeding to a formal Road Traffic Regulation order consultation.
The closing date for responses is 5pm on Monday December 12.
Receive newsletters with the biggest and breaking TV and showbiz news by signing up here
READ NEXT:
Masked thugs ambush man on his drive and steal £4,000
Man handed huge fine for driving around busy park on quad bike
People could be without parcels due to delivery drivers' mistake
Mum desperate for answers after daughter's naked body found dumped in field
Curtis Warren's plot to flood island with drugs landed him in prison
