Locals have been up in arms in Wirral after a number of free car parks are set to have parking charges brought in.
A number of car parks and coastal locations will be hit with these new charges with the decision by Wirral Council being granted despite roughly 80.6 % of people opposing these parking plans.
The northwest region, located between the River Mersey and the River Dee, will see around 22 car parks now having charges being introduced which will also include some roads in three coastal areas which were all previously free.
The parking charge decision was announced by the local authority in September in a bid to help bring in traffic regulation orders.
Among the new charges being imposed, a number of other car parks in the area which already charge a fee to park there are also set to increase, the Liverpool Echo reports.
Locals in areas including New Brighton and Bromborough have been left furious by the council’s decision, with the Conservative and Liberal Democrat councillors also up in arms over the plans.
The decision to bring in these new charges will see parking permits for traders costing around £720 a year including Wirral Council Park permits costing £120 per year.
One petition arguing for no charge at its car park in Bromborough received 3,558 signatures.
The council argued however that plans will likely forge ahead regardless as it was in line with a policy that was unanimously approved in 2023.
They also suggested the parking charges were being brought in to address a shortfall in the parking budget back in July.
According to this policy, councils are able to apply standardised parking charges across the borough as well as the ability to introduce traffic regulations where required.
These charges are set to be approved on 22 car parks including some on-street bays in three areas at an environment and transport committee on December 3.
Councillors are also set to recommend an increase in fees by 20p for those car parks that already charge a £1 charge for any vehicle parks overnight.
Money raised from these new parking charges are expected to be in the region of £150,000 to £300,000.
This amount of money is expected to be earned from 2026 with any income not expected to be generated until summer next year in 2025.
The report published before the committee said it would help with parking demand during peak times and “encourages fairness and equity across the borough with consistent charging.”
The report also suggests on-street charges in places like Hoylake and Meols would help better manage parking issues.