Parking tickets issued across Liverpool have risen by nearly a third in the first six months of the year.
Nuisance and inconsiderate parking has become a problem that irks motorists and pedestrians alike across the city.
Amid continued calls for greater enforcement to be made in tackling the problem, new figures have been released showing an upturn in tickets being handed out during the first half of 2023.
In a written response to questioning from Liberal Democrat group leader Carl Cashman, Liverpool Council has confirmed figures for January to June.
Between 1 January and 30 June, 62,828 PCNs were handed out across the city. By comparison, 12 months earlier the parking enforcement team issued 48,744 – representing an increase this year of 28%.
In the council’s written response, it said, “Performance of the parking enforcement service is showing a marked improvement with an increase in patrols being undertaken which has reflected in the number of penalty charge notices (PCNs) being issued.
“In terms of pavement parking, parking enforcement officers powers are limited currently, but they can issue parking tickets for parking on a footpath or verge behind marked double yellow lines or other parking restrictions.
“In terms of the council being able to undertake enforcement of pavement parking, this is still under consideration from government with a number of options being produced to be considered for a final ruling.”
Cllr Cashman accused the council of ignoring illegal and dangerous parking on pavements, across junctions and on grass verges. Earlier this year it was revealed Merseyside Police removed a direct contact address for people to raise issues with dangerous pavement parking.
Last year, Cllr Laura Robertson-Collins called on the authority to increase the number of traffic wardens across the city in a bid to boost its active travel ambitions.
The written response issued during the full council meeting on Wednesday said, “The administration has proactively listened to requests for additional parking enforcement to be brought into our city and understands that these are a very high priority for our communities across our city.”
It is not yet known when a decision may be made by government to change legislation around enforcement on pavement parking.
Image: Matt Seymour
Why not follow birkenhead.news on Facebook, Twitter, and Threads? You can also send story ideas to news@birkenhead.news
Subscribe to our FREE newsletter