Legal challenge launched against end of free parking
In July last year, it was finally confirmed parking charges would be extended in the city centre until 11pm
A legal challenge could be brought against Liverpool Council over its move to end free parking after 6pm. In July last year, it was finally confirmed parking charges would be extended in the city centre until 11pm.
Despite almost 90% of people indicating they were against the move, councillors pressed ahead with the change, arguing it would standardise parking across the city centre. The plan was first mooted in 2022.
Now, the council could find itself in court after businesses indicated they would seek to challenge the legitimacy of the decision. Alfie Hincks, a former city councillor and founder of Seascope Maritime Training, who is leading the effort said the changes risk damaging the city centre economy “when businesses are already facing immense pressures.”
Last summer, signage and parking meters were updated across the city centre to reflect the changes to the controlled parking zone (CPZ). As a result, drivers are no longer be able to leave their cars on city streets for free after 6pm.
A review of the CPZ around the city centre was first carried out in 2018. An initial informal public consultation was held in February 2022 after which proposals were revised and a statutory consultation undertaken between July and August 2023.
More than 7,000 drivers were caught out by the new charging hours in the first three months of the scheme. Now an effort led by Mr Hincks’ organisation is seeking to overturn the hours.
Alongside leaders from other businesses across the city, including the construction sector, legal advice has been sought regarding potential breaches of legislation, arguing that the policy has unlawfully prioritised revenue generation over the statutory purposes of parking enforcement, while failing to adequately consider the disproportionate impact on women working in Liverpool’s night-time economy. Founded more than 22 years ago, Seascope Maritime Training has helped place more than 8,000 people from across the Liverpool City Region and surrounding areas into sustained employment aboard ships around the world.
Mr Hincks said: “We believe these parking measures risk damaging the city centre economy at a time when businesses are already facing immense pressures. Liverpool is a fantastic city with a proud business community, but policies like this risk making it harder for employers, workers and customers alike.
“We believe there are important legal questions that now deserve to be properly tested.” The efforts are being supported by Cllr Carl Cashman, leader of the opposition Liberal Democrat group.
He said: “As I understand it the case against Liverpool Council is around whether the council has acted lawfully and whether it properly considered the impact of these charges on the people who rely on the city centre every day. A real concern I have is the impact on women working late in the city centre.
“I have heard directly from many women that they make the decision to drive because they feel safer walking directly to their vehicle than relying on public transport late at night. Also the council’s policy is impacting on the lowest earners.
“They’re bar staff, hospitality workers and security staff – the people keeping Liverpool’s night-time economy running. Many finish work when public transport options are limited.
Liverpool’s businesses are already suffering because of national government decisions. The consultation responses themselves warned that people would simply choose to spend their money elsewhere.
“This will lead to the closure of businesses in our city centre.” A Liverpool Council spokesperson said: “We are satisfied that we have acted lawfully and properly. We will respond to any claim that arises but can’t comment further.”