Liverpool traffic wardens to increase - in clampdown on parking abuse

Liverpool City Council is set to expand its traffic warden team by a more than a third as part of a major clampdown on illegal parking and abuse of blue badges.

They're recruiting a further 17 while increasing car park attendants from 8 to 12.

A review was carried out after an increase in the number of parking zones around residential streets particularly around the city’s two football clubs, and the continuing growth of the city centre which has meant an increasing demand for parking enforcement.

There’s also been a rise in complaints from residents, businesses and tourists on inconsiderate and dangerous pavement parking

Councillor Steve Munby, Cabinet Member for Highways and Neighbourhoods, said: “Pavement parking is a growing menace and such is the danger this is causing to pedestrians and other motorists we are looking to use all the necessary measures at our disposal to stamp this selfish practice out.

“We are also looking at expanding the number of permit zones which in turn means we need more officers to police pavement parking and residential parking zones effectively."

“Liverpool city centre has boomed over the past decade and continues to do so, especially around the fringe such as the Knowledge Quarter, Baltic Triangle and Liverpool Waters, which has brought additional pressures and concerns specifically the abuse of Blue Badges and selling of residential permits."

“We know the public want us to act and by increasing this team we can minimise the confrontations, disruption, inconvenience and upset these practices cause.”

The increase in Parking Services staff will enable the authority to expand its operations across the city, target hot spots over the weekend and increase ‘out of hours’ enforcement during major events and to support enforcement campaigns.