Committee agrees camera technology to control pedestrianised area

Members of Wirral Council’s Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee voted last night to extend Moving Traffic Enforcement Powers over the pedestrianised area on Grange Road in Birkenhead town centre 

The decision marks an important step in improving safety and compliance in one of the borough’s busiest pedestrianised areas. 

Although the restriction on motor vehicle access has been in place since 1978 - with loading permitted only before 10:30am and after 4:30pm - the challenge has long been controlling access so that the rules are consistently respected. 

A recent consultation, the findings of which were reported back to committee members last night, did not propose any alteration to the restriction itself; instead, it focused on how it is enforced, proposing the introduction of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras in this location.

The camera technology is intended to close the gap between what the traffic regulation sets out and what actually happens on the ground. Vehicles entering the pedestrianised zone outside the permitted hours create safety concerns and cause disruption for pedestrians and shoppers and undermine the purpose of the area, which is to be a safe, welcoming and accessible area.

The use of ANPR will provide an effective and impartial method of enforcement that does not rely on enforcement staff being present and avoids the inconsistency that can come with intermittent checks.

ANPR also represents a cost‑effective approach. Two cameras will be needed at Grange Road at approximately £24,000 each, funded through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS).

Compared to the significantly higher cost of installing and maintaining automated bollards or barrier systems, ANPR offers a modern, scalable and financially responsible solution. The technology is already widely used in many UK towns and cities and its effectiveness in improving compliance is well established.

Throughout the statutory consultation process, the Council sought to gather views from those affected. Local businesses were informed directly by letter and details were published on the Have Your Say platform. 

Councillors, emergency services, freight associations and the Chief Constable of Merseyside Police were consulted, with Merseyside Police expressing support for the proposal. Newspaper notices and targeted social media were also used to reach a wider audience. In total, 30 objections and 59 comments of support were received. 

The overall outcome demonstrates that while some concerns exist, there is clear recognition of the need to improve compliance in the pedestrianised area. 

With these measures in place, the Grange Road pedestrianised zone will be better equipped to function as intended and continue serving the community effectively for years to come.