Liverpool City Council has withdrawn its application to have a legal challenge against its decision to end free late-night parking thrown out. The move has been welcomed by business campaigners who are fighting the decision to extend charging hours in the city centre from 6pm to 11pm.
Background of the Legal Challenge
In June, it was revealed that a former city councillor was leading the charge against the council's decision. More than a dozen businesses have signed up to launch legal action, arguing that the changes risk damaging the city centre economy "when businesses are already facing immense pressures."
The council had previously moved to have the legal challenge dismissed on procedural grounds, but that application has now been withdrawn. The withdrawal came after campaigners filed a counter-application setting out why the case should be able to proceed.
Reaction from Campaigners and Council
A spokesperson for Liverpool Business Leaders said: "This is a welcome development. From the outset, we have wanted the substance of this case to be heard. Liverpool's businesses, workers and visitors deserve proper scrutiny of decisions which have a significant impact on the city centre. The Council attempted to have this challenge disposed of on procedural grounds; following our response to the court, that application has now been withdrawn."
The spokesperson added: "This does not determine the outcome of the wider case, but it removes the council's attempt to have it struck out at this stage. We remain determined to ensure the serious questions raised by these parking changes receive the scrutiny they deserve."
A Liverpool City Council spokesperson said: "Liverpool City Council has withdrawn its application to strike out the legal challenge to the recent parking charge increase, as the claimant has since corrected the procedural errors that initially formed the basis of that application. It will be for the court to decide whether the claim should proceed. The Council is confident that it has complied with all relevant legal requirements."
Parking Charges Extension
In July last year, it was finally confirmed that 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.
Alfie Hincks, founder of Seascope Maritime Training, said it was "desperate" that the council had not pulled the scheme. Mr Hincks said he and other business leaders would seek to challenge the legitimacy of the decision.
Last summer, signage and parking meters were updated across the city centre to reflect the changes to the controlled parking zone (CPZ).
