People have reacted with anger at pictures of cars parked selfishly all over some of Liverpool's most popular green spaces.
Images taken during the recent hot weather show cars parked on grass at both Sefton Park and Otterspool Park in south Liverpool. The shots were taken and shared by the Friends of Sefton Park group.
They have caused understandable outrage, with people accusing the drivers of turning some of the most loved parks in the city into new 'car parks.' But a Liverpool Councillor said the local authority is unable to target the selfish drivers involved.
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Speaking about the images, a spokesperson for the Friends of Sefton Park said: "Parking on the open grass areas is not only unfair to other park users who want to enjoy the park without seeing cars in the public spaces, but also damaging to the soil.
"It makes the the ground uneven and collects rain like ponds in winter and spring. The grass can take a long time to regenerate." The group added: "Around Sefton Park there are hundreds of free parking spaces around the park road perimeter so there is no excuse for parking as close as you can."
Others were just as frustrated by the images. The Cars Ruined Liverpool twitter account, which highlights bad driving and parking around the city, said: "Going to a park? Don't fancy walking all the way from the car park? Just drive right on in to the park. Its the new trend, don't be left behind now."
Kate Addis added: "We're so lucky to have these green spaces to enjoy, but they're being ruined by selfish people who can't be bothered to park in actual parking spaces. Tickets and fines needed." Jo Harrop said: "Disgraceful. This can and should be tackled. Within weeks the parks will be car parks if not addressed. WHY do people doing this feel it's ok?!"
The Liverpool Wanderer twitter account added: "Seriously, this is atrocious and just ruins our beautiful green spaces."
Responding to the images, Liverpool Councillor Alan Tormey said he had requested the council's enforcement team to attend the scene, but later revealed this request had been unsuccessful.
He said: "Having now spoken to Enforcement, they have advised me that from the photos provided, there are no legal Traffic Regulation Orders or restrictions from which we can take action accordingly. Unfortunately on this occasion enforcement in these areas is not feasible.
He added: "The Civil Enforcement Officer Supervisor has advised me that unfortunately it does not apply as far as the enforcement and the issuing of penalty charge notices is concerned."
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