Residents parking schemes to be reviewed
In response to concerns over proposed changes to resident parking zones, Wirral Council is looking to carry out a comprehensive review of resident parking aimed at developing a new, fair and consistent approach, which will include a requirement to fully consult with residents before any changes are made.
This means members of the Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee will not now be asked to make a decision in their December meeting on whether to implement an increase in charges for residents’ parking zones.
The recent proposal to raise the fees that people who live in areas covered by Residents’ Parking Schemes pay to give them priority parking in their street has clearly been the cause of much dissatisfaction amongst those potentially affected.
This was made worse by officers erroneously posting notices across affected areas informing residents that such a move was due to take effect from October 28th. This was incorrect and we apologise for the confusion and distress this has caused.
These notices were withdrawn. It was always intended that the Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee would decide on whether to implement any changes.
Having carried out further investigation into the operation of our residents’ parking schemes in Wirral with the support of legal colleagues, it transpires that there is inconsistency in how schemes are managed across Wirral, due to them being introduced at different times over the last 50 years and using different legislation. Clearly a consistent and fair approach is required.
Please note:
This decision only affects the proposal concerning residents’ parking. At December’s meeting of the Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee, members will still receive an update on the recent consultation on changes to public parking and be asked to make decisions on:-
- The introduction of charges in on-street parking bays and introduction of a £1 charge to park overnight (between 6.30pm and 8am) at the following locations:
Kings Parade / Coastal Drive, New Brighton
North Parade / Meols Parade, Hoylake and Meols.
South Parade, West Kirby.
- Inflationary increases at on-street parking bays where fees already apply (including on-street parking permits) and introduction of a £1 charge to park overnight (between 6.30pm and 8am) within the Birkenhead Controlled Parking Zone.
- Introduction of charges at council-owned car parks and introduction of a £1 charge to park overnight (between 6.30pm and 8am) at 22 locations where there are not currently charges in place.
- Inflationary increases of all charges at all council-owned car parks where fees already apply (including trader and country park parking permits)
