Sefton Council listens and brings back 30-minute parking charge to Southport after local groups hold talks

Parking meters will now accept a reduced fee of 80p after both groups pushed for the return of the half-hour charge which was scrapped two years ago. The one-hour parking charge will remain at £1.50.

During his budget speech Sefton Council Leader, Ian Maher, revealed how strong local representations from Southport Labour’s Mhairi Doyle and Janis Blackburn recently had helped convince him of the need to look again at the parking charge issue.

Speaking afterwards Councillor Maher explained:

“I was delighted to be able to confirm that the 30-minute parking charge will return to Southport. We had very productive discussions with Mhairi and Janis from Southport Labour and Liz Savage on this matter and they all made a strong case that it was something we really needed to revisit. We hope this shows that we really want to work together with those who want a genuine spirit of cooperation. Constant confrontation from some quarters gets us nowhere and holds back progress on issues in the town.”

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regulation and Compliance, whose brief parking charges are, also gave credit to BID saying:

“We meet regularly with the Southport BID and discuss many aspects that could benefit the busy town centre. After being approached by the BID to reintroduce the 30 minutes of parking, following further discussions we are happy to assist in making this happen through the difficult budget setting process. As a Council, we will always listen and hope this is well received in the town.”

Southport Labour Chair, Mhairi Doyle MBE, said she was pleased that the representations had been well received:

“Janis and I believe strongly in us all working together to get the best for Southport. It’s been a very constructive approach all round and Sefton deserves much credit for that too.”

Liz Savage, Labour’s Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Southport, said the reduction would help those looking to “pop-in” to town:

“I’m thrilled that Sefton has listened to our case and that of BID and has agreed to reduce the charge period. It shows they do listen and do really care about local concerns. The return of the half-hour charge is great for those who just want to pop-in to town and let’s not forget if you want longer then there are other options.”

“Sefton provides a fantastic park and ride scheme in Southport for instance that costs just £2 for a full day of parking at the Esplanade. It’s something critics completely and conveniently like to ignore.”