Council consultation on charges
Petition against parking permit charge increases
Plans to increase parking charges, and extend charges to a further 25 sites around the Borough, have been slammed by the Leader of Wirral’s Conservative Councillors.
Cllr. Jeff Green was speaking after the Council’s consultation on the plan caused an immediate angry reaction from shops, businesses and residents.
Among the sites are the ‘key’ tourist and visitor attractions at Kings Parade, Wallasey; North Parade and Meols Parade, and South Parade, West Kirby. Charges at these sites would be introduced and also include overnight parking charges.
22 small off-street car parks, many in shopping areas, will also see parking charges introduced for the first time.
Cllr. Green is warning that, if approved, the charges could be ‘the final straw’ for many businesses on Wirral’s high streets:
“The previous consultation on the Council’s legally required Parking Strategy, which covered a range of parking issues, found that an overwhelming 77% of people do not want charges extended to car parks that are currently free.
“And yet, a few months later, residents are now being asked whether they support parking charges on our promenades and shopping areas.
“The effects of charges in shopping areas can be seen from the damage done in Liscard and Birkenhead. Is this really the future the Town Hall wants for Bebington, Hoylake, Moreton and Heswall?
“We have consistently opposed parking charges in these locations. While residents are, yet again, being consulted, I’m afraid the Town Hall still isn’t listening.
“If Labour and Green councillors think now is a good time to get the bad news out of the way – after the General Election and two years before the council elections - they are mistaken.
“The Conservative Group does not accept the Town Hall’s plans. We will be working with residents and businesses in our communities to persuade those behind the plan to think again.”
The Council’s consultation closes on 23 October. Residents can take part:
- online: Car Parking Charges - Traffic Regulation Orders Consultation 2024 | Have your say Wirral
- by email [email protected]
- or in writing: Traffic Network Manager, Neighbourhood Services, PO Box 290, Wallasey, Wirral, CH27 9FQ
