Wirral residents have slated the council's controversial plans to introduce new car parking charges across the borough.
This week the council confirmed the places where they proposed charges were introduced, including on-street parking at a number of tourist attractions and at car parks that are currently free.
Since first being announced earlier this year, the plan, which is still subject to consultation, has been met with fury from residents who have argued car park charges will destroy local businesses and push people away from visiting certain tourist areas.
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Since this week's update, people from across the borough have flocked to social media to express their 'disgust' and once again commented on how the proposal could negatively impact local businesses.
One social media user said: "All this does is encourage people to shop online and the local business lose customers and staff lose jobs."
One person added: “Disgraceful to charge people to park at coastal car parks, families taking kids to the beach for a day out, how else are you supposed to get there?”
Another member of the group said: "It will kill shops and send people to the retail parks.”
Yvonne Grannon mirrored the views of a number of residents and said: "They need to draw people in, not out!"
Others have said how these plans could see retail car parks take a significant hit and therefore damage the local areas.
One person said: "So it's going to cost you on Marine Promenade, Derby Baths and the Fort car park? Guess Morrisons will take a battering!"
Another person said: "People will just park in Marine Point car park. No charge there but let’s see if we the locals will be able to do our shopping there."
In the ECHO's comment section on Wednesday's (December 8) story, which outlined where the charges could be introduced, the plans have received a mixed reception from Wirral residents.
Commenters further highlighted how this proposal would likely impact the local businesses that sit close to the proposed car parks.
Perryboy1 said: "Be careful you don’t shoot yourself in the foot and people avoid these places then local businesses lose customers."
One commenter, Simon Says, said he understands people's upset but can also see the need for charging in some of these areas.
He wrote: "I can understand why people are not happy - folks on Wirral have become very dependent on their cars.
"However, the rational behind charging for parking is sound.
"It should never have been 'free'. Places can thrive when charges are in place - plenty of places across the UK will be rammed.
"The focus should be on making our public realm a place worth visiting. Don't try to compete with retail parks. Offer something better!
"People will come flocking.
"Oh, but please remember that we all need to be driving much less in the future so, if you can, start walking, cycling or using public transport."
This view was supported by a Facebook user who said: "I can’t see how it can be avoided now. The funds the council get are low enough and given the amount of people visiting it was bound to come, should have residents exemption though."
Wirral Council said new charges would allow it to provide a “fair and sustainable parking policy”.
Blue badge holders would be exempt from the requirement to pay for parking as long as a valid badge is clearly displayed.
The standardised rate is now in place, but a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) must be put in place before new parking charges can be created.
As part of this process, which involves a consultation where residents can voice their thoughts on the proposal up until Christmas Eve, the council has confirmed the areas it is proposing to introduce new parking charges to.
The proposed locations for parking charges are:
Kings Parade/Coastal Drive, New Brighton - Scheme ref no. TO/18/06
North Parade/Meols Parade, Hoylake and Meols – Scheme ref no. TO/18/07
South Parade, West Kirby – Scheme ref no. TO/18/08
Bayview Drive/Harrison Drive – Scheme ref no. TO/18/09
Derby Pool Car Park, New Brighton – Scheme ref no. TO/18/10A
The Gunsite Car Park, Leasowe – Scheme ref no. TO/18/10B
Other Off-Street Car Parks – Scheme ref no. TO/21/19: (Includes all the below)
Fort Perch Rock Car Park, New Brighton/ Chamberlain Street Car Park, Birkenhead/ Old Chester Road-Chamberlain Street Car Park, Birkenhead/ Turner Street Car Park, Birkenhead
Banks Road Car Park, Heswall/ Roslin Road Car Park, Irby/ Fishers Lane Car Park, Pensby/ Carr Lane Car Park, Hoylake/ Charles Road Car Park, Hoylake/ Market Street Car Park, Hoylake
Barlow Avenue Car Park, Bebington/ Church Road Car Park, Bebington/ Roland Avenue Car Park, Bebington/ Allport Lane Car Park, Bromborough/ Mill Park Drive Car Park, Eastham
Manor Road Car Park, Liscard / Garden Lane Car Park, Moreton/ Holt Avenue Car Park, Moreton/ Pasture Road Car Park, Moreton/ Rappart Road Car Park, Seacombe/ Thurstaston Common Car Park, Thurstaston.
