Car park charges given go-ahead despite objections

Controversial parking charges at sites where it is currently free to park have been given the go-ahead by a council despite widespread opposition.

Plans for new charges in 25 areas across Wirral have been approved.

Thousands of people had signed petitions to oppose Wirral Council's plans, with concern expressed about the impact on businesses and parking being displaced to outside people's homes.

Bromborough resident and petition organiser, Phil Spencer, said: "There couldn't be a worse time to introduce this", warning "businesses remain on a knife-edge".

The plans, involving 22 car parks and roads in three coastal areas, sparked a backlash from residents and traders in places including Bromborough and New Brighton.

The charges are being introduced in a bid to help balance the council's budget and meet a £300,000 shortfall.

They were approved by Labour and Green councillors on the environment and transport committee, with Conservatives and Liberal Democrats voting against the plans.

Labour councillor, Steve Foulkes, said the authority was "in for a tough time and we do have to make tough decisions", adding that the charges would be reviewed in a year.

Conservative councillor, Jeff Green, warned of the impact the charges would have on businesses, adding that 93% of those who took part in the public consultation were against the move.

The plans also involve a rise in fees at car parks which already require payments and a new £1 charge brought in for overnight parking, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Charges are also expected to be brought in for on-street parking bays in places including Coastal Drive and Kings Parade in New Brighton, North Parade and Meols Parade in Hoylake and Meols, and South Parade in West Kirby.

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