Sefton Council urges coastline visitors to park considerately

Sefton’s coastline, an internationally protected ‘nature reserve’, is stunning, and we understand why people want to visit, especially when the weather is nice.

Since restrictions were lifted allowing people to spend more time outside, we have seen a rise in the number of people using parks and beauty spots and many of Sefton’s beautiful beaches.

After seeing large numbers of people travelling to these locations the Sefton Coastal Landscape Partnership launch a new multi-agency campaign throughout August.

The campaign aims to remind people to continue to be sensible when visiting its coastline. The campaign includes advice to on the need to maintain social distancing and asks visitors to remain respectful and protect Sefton’s public spaces.

During the recent nice weather, the partnership has received reports of excessive littering and fires and BBQs being lit as well as people parking illegally and inconsiderately by blocking driveways and residential roads.

We want everyone to enjoy themselves when visiting Sefton, but to remember to park their vehicle respectfully as residents and emergency services are struggled with access issues as tourists flock to the area.

If you are visiting by car, please be considerate when parking your vehicle, leave room for emergency vehicles, as tight spaces will slow down emergency vehicles and delay their response time to emergency calls.

Sefton Civil Enforcement Officer have issued Penalty Charges to significantly more vehicles in the last few weeks, then in previous years, after motorists caused problems while parking, so please use designated car parks and don’t just abandon your vehicles on the highway or block access for residents living in the area.

We have now re-opened Ainsdale Beach car park – £8 all day for all vehicles (please note its cash only right now) and Southport’s Esplanade Park & Ride at just £2 per car. Plus, the variable message signs will keep motorist informed on parking updates.

For regular visitors, Sefton Council offers a money-saving £20 season ticket for parking on Ainsdale Beach. Details of how to apply can be found at www.sefton.gov.uk/beaches

Peter Moore, Head of Highways & Public Protection said: “All our car parks are clearly signposted and we always encourage people to park legally, responsibly and with consideration for others.

“Sefton is doing everything it can to address these parking issue and our enforcement officers will be issuing parking tickets to cars parked irresponsibly and dangerously.”

Sefton Superintendent Graeme Robson said: “We know that illegal parking, especially at busy times, can cause huge inconvenience to people locally, with people blocking residents in or out of their own drives.

“But even more concerning, some parking on pavements and where obstructions are caused can prove extremely dangerous.

“We have seen pedestrians including those in pushchairs or in wheelchairs forced to walk into the road to walk around vehicles, and emergency vehicles unable to pass down roads quickly due to inconsiderate parking.

“Our officers will be out supporting Sefton Council’s efforts to persuade visitors to park legally and responsibly, and I urge anyone coming to visit the Sefton coastline to be considerate at all times.”