Car parking blight and pedestrian access to be tackled

THE blight of parked cars blocking pavements and pathways could be targeted in Liverpool, thanks to a new proposed parking strategy.

Liverpool City Council is aiming to take significant steps in its efforts to create a more sustainable and people-centred approach to parking, as outlined in a report to its Cabinet next week.

The Council has also set out steps to prioritise the use of:- public transport, walking, and cycling which will improve urban mobility and reduce reliance on private vehicles.

Councillors will debate the adoption of the Liverpool Parking Strategy, on:- Tuesday, 21 January 2025. This key plan will guide parking policy and decision-making across the City for the next 20 years and beyond.

The strategy, if approved, will guide the Council in maximizing the use of limited City space for the benefit of residents, businesses, and visitors.

The strategy aligns with the Council's commitment to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable transport options. It will encourage a shift away from car dependency and prioritize active travel.

The plan will also help to create a more pedestrian friendly environment and reduce reliance on private vehicles.

The strategy follows the announcement of new car parking charges, to be introduced from March 2025. It is the first increase of parking charges on Council car parks in more than 10 years.

The hiring of 52 new enforcement staff to help tackle parking issues is also underway.

The Council will engage with stakeholders, including:- residents, businesses, and community groups, to gather feedback and refine the strategy before final adoption.

Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said:- "This is an important step towards creating a more sustainable and liveable city. The Parking Strategy will play a crucial role in shaping the future of transportation in Liverpool, ensuring that our City remains a thriving place for everyone. I know how frustrated many residents are with the blight of pavement parking. Addressing this is a key priority for Liverpool City Council, and this strategy will shape how we do this. Pavement parking causes a particular blight for people using prams or wheelchairs. It forces them onto the road, which is dangerous for the pedestrian but can also lead to traffic in the road being impacted as drivers slow to avoid them. I would encourage everyone who feels they are affected by this plan to engage with the consultation process to ensure their view are heard and taken into consideration. It's vital that everyone in our community plays a part in implementing the new strategy."
 

5 year master plan aims to make Liverpool City Region the best UK visitor destination for work and play

A 5 year master plan has been unveiled to make the Liverpool City Region the best tourism and career destination in the UK.

The City Region's thriving visitor economy generates £6.25bn a year, employs more than 58,000 people and attracts around 60 million visitors annually who come to enjoy its world-renowned cultural, musical and sporting attractions.

A new Destination Management Plan has now been developed by the pioneering Local Visitor Enterprise Partnership (LVEP) that sets out for the first time a unified vision across the city region to further accelerate growth over the next five years.

The comprehensive plan aims to make the region the best place in the UK to:- 'visit and stay for a for a day, a week or a lifetime' by 2030.

Combined Authority members will this week be asked to approve the strategic framework ahead of a launch during English Tourism Week in March.

Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram said:- "The Liverpool City Region's visitor economy is thriving, and this new Destination Management Plan will help build on that success, ensuring we remain at the forefront of the UK's tourism industry. Our region is renowned for its cultural heritage, musical legacy and sporting excellence. From the iconic Beatles history to top flight football, and the internationally acclaimed events we host, there's something here for everyone. This ambitious plan will not only boost visitor numbers and jobs, but it'll also enhance our region's unique appeal which is known throughout the world."

In 2023, the Liverpool City Region set up one of the 1st Visit England accredited LVEPs to lead, market and manage the visitor economy.

Tony Hall CBE, Lord Hall of Birkenhead and a former Director General of the BBC, was named Chair of a new board created to lead the partnership and made up of experts from the worlds of sport, film, music, hospitality, retail and leisure.

High-profile events such as the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool and the Open Golf Championship in Wirral alongside wider city region events including the Southport Airshow, the Grand National and Liverpool Biennial, all helped to drive growth in visitor numbers, income and jobs.

Independent research in 2024 calculated the sector grew by 21%, from:- 2022 to 2023 - generating £6bn a year to the economy. Staying visitor numbers rose to 6 million and the total they spent increased by:- 17% to 2.4bn. Around 12% of residents now work for the sector's 4,800 businesses.

The new Destination Management Plan seeks to build on this success and harness the city region's unique global appeal; including:- around golf, football, culture, hospitality and music; to boost growth and prosperity.

It has been developed after learning from some of the world's most popular and successful visitor destinations, including:- Melbourne, New York City and Barcelona.

A new major events strategy is exploring how to attract and stage more showpiece events, including:- the potential introduction of a tourist levy.

The strategy also aims to highlight the importance and unique character, history and charm of the City Region's  6 local authority areas:- Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral.

The Strategy will focus on enhancing visitor experiences, creating sustainable growth in visitor numbers and boosting jobs in the sector. Increasing productivity; the level of Gross Value Added (GVA) per job; from:- £22,700 to £27,200, could close the gap to national visitor economy levels and generate an extra £309m of GVA each year.

The plan will be delivered in collaboration with Government bodies, private sector organisations, Councils and community organisations.

To help bring the plan to life, an eye catching document aimed at the public will be produced alongside a media campaign.