Pay and display machines could soon be installed at one of Merseyside's most beautiful spots.
Formby beach boasts sweeping sand dunes as well as picturesque pine forests and grasslands nearby and when the weather is nice, daytrippers come from near and far.
And in order to support the funding of the National Trust site, visitors are requested to pay to park their vehicles.
Currently, motorists have to pay £7.50 per car, £18 for a minibus and £50 for a coach. There is also a charge of £15 per horsebox.
National Trust members can park for free.
Staff stationed at Victoria Road and Lifeboat Road administer the charges.
But plans to install pay and display machines at both car parks are set to be approved by Sefton Council 's planning committee this evening (Wednesday).
A National Trust spokeswoman said: "Pay and display machines are being added to many coastal and countryside properties to help us get a better picture of how many people are using our car parks, as well as supporting the funding of these special places as a charity.
"Also, each time a member scans their card on one of the machines we receive an allocation of National Trust funds which helps us to look after Formby.
"Once the machines are in place we hope our visitors will help us to care for this special place by paying to park or joining as a member to enjoy free parking.
"We are an access organisation and hope to achieve reasonable levels of enforcement without resorting to clamping or entry gates. Once the machines are installed, we’ll be monitoring their ongoing use."
The National Trust also wants to build toilets and a cafe at Lifeboat Road.
Formby residents have been consulted on the plans, with details expected to be revealed in the near future.
Some say these new additions would be a positive for the area, while others have objected, because of congestion and parking issues, as well as the creation of an 'eyesore'.
