'We knew this wouldn't be popular but it's a necessary decision'

COUNCIL LEADER DEFENDS CHOICE TO IGNORE PUBLIC OPINION AND END FREE PARKING IN CITY CENTRE AFTER 6PM

- By DAVID HUMPHREYS Local Democracy Reporter

THE leader of Liverpool Council has defended the move to end free parking in the city centre, calling it a ‘necessary decision’

It was confirmed last week that despite almost 90% of people who responded to a survey saying they were against the amendment, the city council is pressing ahead with extending its parking restrictions to 11pm.

From next month, drivers will be charged from 7am to 11pm, rather than the current length of 8am to 6pm. It will also cost motorists more to leave their car in a city bay as 30 minutes parking in the city centre has gone up from £1.20 to £2, while an hour will now cost £4, up from £2.40.

Speaking exclusively to the ECHO, Cllr Liam Robinson, leader of Liverpool Council, said he accepted the move would not be ‘universally popular’ but described the increase as ‘proportionate’ for a city the size of Liverpool. The decision has already attracted criticism from opposition groups and businesses who are concerned how it will impact them.