Verulum Road parking charge proposal withdrawn

The proposed introduction of pay and display parking at the Verulum Road car park has been withdrawn. Verulum Road car park serves Botanic Gardens in Churchtown, and is particularly used by parents dropping off and collecting children from Churchtown Primary School. Parking here is currently free of charge.

The proposal by Sefton Council to introduce pay and display charges at Verulum Road was part of a wider package of changes to the parking regime, including a 30% increase in the cost of both on-road and off-road parking. The proposals were due to be considered by Sefton's ruling Cabinet, but were withdrawn at the last minute.

Councillor Nigel Ashton said "I am pleased that these proposals have been withdrawn. However, I have been informed that Sefton Council will now be embarking on a 'dialogue' to see what changes could be made to parking charges in future. We will remain vigilant to make sure that the extension of parking charges is not re-introduced through the back door."

No parking charges at Botanic Gardens

Rumours that Sefton Council are planning to charge motorists using the Botanic Gardens car park have been denied point blank.

"There is no truth whatsoever in the suggestion that a 'pay and display' scheme is planned for the Verulam Road car park used by visitors to Botanic Gardens", says Lib Dem councillor John Dodd. "I have had confirmation from a senior council officer that neither the Leisure and Tourism or Highways departments are pursuing pay and display at this car park."
 
Nigel Ashton adds "We have no idea how this rumour started. The council can't introduce new parking charges without the agreement of elected councillors."

"The idea of charging at Botanic Gardens car park is a total non-starter. Verulam Road car park is used by parents collecting their children from Churchtown Primary school, which is one of the biggest junior schools in the country. If a parking charge was introduced people would just park on surrounding residential roads, causing absolute chaos. This is a road safety issue as much as anything."