A legal challenge has been launched against Liverpool Council’s decision to extend city centre parking charges into the evening. The authority says it followed the correct legal process, while those bringing the case argue the changes could affect businesses and visitors.
A long-standing debate regarding parking in Liverpool's city center has escalated into a formal legal challenge. The conflict centers on a decision by Liverpool City Council to extend parking charges until 11 p.m., effectively ending the long-standing practice of free parking on city center streets after 6 p.m. This policy shift is currently being contested by a group of businesses and drivers who argue that the council's decision is unlawful.
The legal challenge is being led by Alfie Hincks, a former Liverpool councillor and founder of C-Scope Maritime Training, alongside more than a dozen local businesses.
The group asserts that the extension of charging hours will have a detrimental impact on the city's economy, specifically affecting workers, visitors, and the nighttime economy. The dispute stems from a broader review of the city’s control parking zone, which began in 2018. Following a public consultation process in early 2022 and subsequent statutory consultations in the summer of 2023, the council moved forward with the changes.
According to the council, the objective of the new policy was to standardize parking arrangements across the city center. Despite significant opposition, with nearly 90% of respondents to the consultation process voicing their disagreement, the council voted to proceed with the revised charging hours.
In response to the legal action, the council has requested that the courts strike out the claim. The local authority argues that the claimants failed to comply with the necessary procedural requirements for serving the legal notice.
At this stage, a Liverpool City Council spokesperson has indicated that they will not provide further commentary, citing that the matter remains subject to ongoing legal proceedings.
