Liverpool Council is seeking to dismiss a legal challenge against its decision to end free parking after 6pm in the city centre, with an application made to have the case thrown out.
Background of the Parking Charge Extension
In July last year, the council confirmed parking charges would be extended until 11pm, despite nearly 90% of public opposition. The plan, first mooted in 2022, was implemented to standardise parking across the city centre. Signage and meters were updated last summer to reflect the changes to the controlled parking zone (CPZ).
More than 7,000 drivers were caught out by the new charging hours in the first three months of the scheme, according to council data.
Legal Challenge by Businesses
Former city councillor Alfie Hincks, founder of Seascope Maritime Training, is leading the challenge alongside over a dozen businesses. They argue the charges risk damaging the city centre economy “when businesses are already facing immense pressures.” Mr Hincks said: “These parking charges affect business coming in. The impact on the night-time economy is not acceptable. The council have painted themselves into a deep corner, we want our day in court. It’s desperate from them to not say let’s just pull it and review it.”
The judicial review challenges the council’s decision to introduce significantly increased parking charges, arguing the measures are unlawful and will have a damaging impact on Liverpool’s economy, workers, and visitors.
Council’s Application to Strike Out
The ECHO understands the council has asked the court to strike out the claim, alleging the claimant did not comply with procedural requirements for serving the claim. A Liverpool Council spokesperson said: “The council is confident that it has complied with all relevant legal requirements. However, we will not be commenting further on an ongoing legal matter.”
A review of the CPZ around the city centre was first carried out in 2018, with an informal public consultation in February 2022 and a statutory consultation between July and August 2023. The charges were extended despite the opposition, with the council arguing standardisation was necessary.
