There have been lots of questions and concerns raised about the new scheme – here we try to answer them
Liverpool City Council has announced plans for a ‘Football Match Parking Zone’ to be installed around Everton’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock – prompting plenty of questions and concerns.
With the Blues set to move into their new £500m waterfront home from next season, plans are being put in place for arrangements surrounding the 52,888 seater stadium. The city council has confirmed an Experimental Traffic Order will be put in place to coincide with the first test game at the stadium later this month.
The news has prompted plenty of questions as well as a few concerns from those either living or running businesses in the area. Based on the information we have available, we have attempted to answer some of the key questions about the scheme.
What are the proposed changes?
The proposals cover an area around the new stadium that is within a 30 minute walking distance. The parking controls will generally apply:
- North of Boundary Street 10am to midnight, every day from 1st August to 30th June.
- South of Boundary Street 10am to midnight, every day all year round.
- Great Homer Street area 8am to midnight, every day all year around. We are introducing different types of parking controls across the area.
The council says this will stop commuter parking near the city centre. They are introducing different types of parking controls across the area. These will provide:
- Permit parking areas for residents.
- Permit parking areas for businesses, including parking for up to 1 hour for non-permit holders.
- Designated taxi bays.
- Single yellow lines that will be in effect during the operative times of the scheme.
- Double yellow lines that will operate at all times.
- Loading restrictions that will operate at certain times or at all times.
- Taxi bays that will operate at certain times.
When will the permit scheme operate?
This is a contentious one. While the scheme is called a Football Match Day Parking Zone, it will apply in some form every day. The operating times depend on where your home or business is. Restrictions will be in place north of Boundary Street between 10am and midnight, every day from August 1 to June 30.
It will also be in place south of Boundary Street between 10am and midnight, every day, all year round and in the Great Homer Street area from 8am to midnight every day, all year round. Double yellow lines (no parking at any time) and double kerb blips (no loading at any time) will apply all year, everywhere in the zone.
When will the scheme begin?
The scheme will start on Monday February 17, ready for the first test event.
How will this affect residents and businesses in the area?
If you live in or have a business in the area, you will need a permit to park during the times the scheme is in operation. The council says it has sent letters out to residents and businesses about the new parking rules in their area.
Residents will need a permit for each vehicle registered to their address and can also apply for one visitor permit per property. These permits are free of charge. Find out how to apply for a residents parking permit and the information you need to provide.
Businesses can apply for up to 10 permits, which cost £50 each per year. Find out how to apply for a business parking permit and the information you need to provide.
Why can’t the rules only apply on match days?
A pertinent question that a few businesses in the area have understandably asked. A council statement said: “Matches can happen any day of the week, with kick-off times between midday and 8pm. Other events, like concerts, might finish late. The set hours ensure all events are covered. Some areas have other parking problems and these rules will help those as well.”
What about visitors?
Visitors to a residential home must display a visitor permit. Residents are responsible for providing and collecting the permit. Parking on a driveway does not require a permit.
Visitors can park for up to 1 hour without a permit in commercial or industrial areas. Signs will show this.
This will be allowed in the following areas:
- Blackstone Street area
- Esk Street area
- Juniper Street area
- Love Lane area
- Roberts Street area
- Ten Streets area
- Walter Street area
Where can disabled fans park?
According to Liverpool Council, the stadium will have 52 parking spaces for disabled fans, which must be pre-booked with the club. The club will also offer free shuttle services for disabled fans between the stadium and nearby car parks or Sandhills Station. You will need to pre-book a space with the club on the Everton FC website. A valid permit is still required for blue badge holders to park in permit zones.
How will the new rules be advertised?
The council says most streets won’t have painted bays. Instead, signs at entry points will show parking rules. Some streets will have marked bays for loading, coaches or taxis.
Where will permits allow me to park?
Permits are valid only in the specific area shown on the permit and do not allow parking on yellow lines or other restricted areas. Having a permit will not guarantee a space.
What happens next?
The scheme will operate for up to 18 months from February 17. The council says it will analyse and review feedback to see whether localised or area-wide modifications are needed before the review period expires. If there are no outstanding objections and the scheme is operating effectively, it will then be made permanent.
If there are outstanding objections to the scheme that cannot be resolved, these will be considered by a future Highways and Public Spaces Representations Committee. The committee will make the final decision on whether to support the objections or not, and whether to make the scheme permanent.
How can you give your views?
People can provide their views on this consultation here and questions on the scheme can be directed to bramleymooredockETRO@liverpool.gov.uk.