Liverpool Council seeks Whitehall help over pavement parkers

The council could impound the cars of persistent offenders

A council is seeking further powers from the government to tackle pavement parking - a problem it says "blights everyone's lives."

Liverpool Council's sustainable, safe and thriving neighbourhoods committee said more than 100,000 poor parkers were fined from April to December.

The council also said a large number of drivers were still flouting the rules.

Labour's deputy leader Dan Barrington is requesting more powers from Whitehall to tackle the issue.

Drivers have been seen leaving their vehicles across pathways and pedestrian areas, causing dangers and disruption for people - especially those with disabilities and parents with prams.

The local authority has promised a crack down and is hiring more enforcement officers to fine offenders.

Campaigners regularly highlight the hotspot areas - particularly in the city centre - on social media.

The council said a large number of drivers were still breaking the rules

Data revealed 17,000 motorists were sanctioned for parking offences in December alone.

New traffic cameras have been installed at two points in the city centre but a large number of drivers continue to be found breaching parking rules..

Persistent offenders

It was suggested in November the installation of additional electric vehicle charging points could bring troublesome pavement parking to an end, the Local Democracy Reporting Service

Discussions are also being held around a secure area where the vehicles of persistent offenders could be seized and impounded.

It is understood the local authority is having conversations with several companies who could supply staff and vehicles for these duties, although talks are at a very early stage.

There have also been conversations with the council's enforcement agents about potential joint action days to seize vehicles of persistent offenders.

Mr Barrington, cabinet member for transport and connectivity, told the committee powers had not been handed over to local authorities to tackle it.

He said: "Clamping down on inconsiderate parking is a priority for this administration."

The councillor added: "We need to change people's attitudes, we know they don't care or don't worry about being caught."

Councillor William Shortfall, a wheelchair user, said problem parking "blights everyone's lives".

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