Letters to the Editor:- "Bad parking"

"I'M aware that people like to visit the coast and I have no objections to that, but I do object to the dangerous parking that has become the norm, in Sefton. I was shocked again, in Formby, to see so many cars parked dangerously, some of them with Taxi plates from as far as Wolverhamption and Birmingham. The Police have been out over the last few weeks, but they are not able to ticket all this dangerous cars, yet something must be done. These drivers are blocking people in and also obstructing pavements and at times road junctions. Please can your newspaper investigate this matter again and see if you can get Sefton Council and Merseyside Police to put some type of harder measures in place. It will not be long before someone loose a life due to these inconsiderate drivers. I have attached some photographs taken over 17 July 2022." P. Milburn, Formby Resident.

What are your thoughts on the state of parking in and around the Sefton Coastline and Merseyside as a whole? Please email your thoughts to:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com.

Editors note:- "We have contacted the Taxi Licensing for comment in Wolverhampton and in Birmingham. We are also talking to Merseyside Police and Sefton Council about this on going issue."

Liverpool to get moving with new ebike scheme

CYCLING in Liverpool is set for an e-revolution after a new bike hire scheme got the green light. Liverpool City Council's Cabinet has approved a scheme to replace its own Citybikes, and appoint private operator Voi to provide ebikes.

The move is part of a decision by the Department of Transport to allow Voi to expand its e-scooter trial in the City to May 2024. Following Cabinet approval, it is expected the new Voi e-bikes will be launched in mid-August, starting with 50 and eventually rising to 500 in operation.

The Council will also begin the task of removing all Citybikes, which were originally launched in 2014, and will look to donate them to local charities and community groups.

Voi's ebikes are dockless, similar to the escooters, so do not require docking Stations as seen with the Citybike scheme. By ending that operation, the Council will save an estimated £300,000 a year in operational and maintenance costs.

Voi will be launching a digital pass and subscription service in the coming weeks, with major discounts to be introduced for students, military personnel and veterans, teaching staff, NHS workers and people receiving benefits.

Voi's ebike scheme aligns with the Council's Cycling Strategy and Active Travel campaign by continuing to provide a sustainable alternative to vehicle travel within the City.

The area for the ebike operation will be the same as the e-Scooters which covers 80% of Liverpool and uses the same geofencing / parking models.

Councillor Dan Barrington, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said:- "The Citybike scheme proved very popular and it has helped thousands of people get active and cycle across the City. However, the impact of Central Government funding cuts, Covid and subsequent drop in usage as well the rising maintenance cost to the cycles and stations has meant it was becoming difficult for the scheme to continue. I'm very pleased officers have worked with Voi to introduce a replacement scheme which will ensure there will be a seamless transition. I welcome the discount measures too as we need to offset any financial barrier to those who will benefit most from these ebikes. As to the Citybikes I'm delighted they will remain in the City with those still in good working order being handed over to charities and community groups, and those in disrepair to be used as parts, ensuring the scheme has a positive legacy on our environment."

Sam Pooke, Senior Policy Manager at Voi UK said:- "We are delighted to continue to work with Liverpool City Council to provide our ebikes in addition to the existing Voi e-scooter scheme. To date, over 2.6 million rides have been taken on Voi scooters, replacing an estimated 1.1 million short car trips, with thousands of people relying on them daily to commute, shop or enjoy the City. Voi will use its knowledge and expertise in running successful escooter and ebikes schemes to ensure residents and visitors can benefit from these 2 green and complementary modes of transport, reducing the need to use private cars across the City."