HUNDREDS of people have signed a petition urging the Council to drop plans for pay & display car parking in Lower Heswall.

The proposal for Pay & Display Parking on Lower Banks Road is part of the Car Parking Charges - Traffic Regulation Orders Consultation 2024 which ends today (Wednesday, October 23).

The plans are: 

  • New charges for on-street parking bays at Kings Parade/Coastal Drive in New Brighton, Meols Parade in Hoylake and Meols, and South Parade, West Kirby
  • Inflationary increase in charges for on-street parking bays where fees already apply in the Birkenhead controlled zone New charges at off-street council-owned car parks (this will impact 22 car parks that are currently free)
  • A £1 overnight charge for car parking at: On-street parking bays at Kings Parade/Coastal Drive in New Brighton, Meols Parade in Hoylake and Meols, and South Parade, West Kirby On-street parking bays in the Birkenhead controlled zone Off-street council-owned car parks

Wirral Council say the proposals are subject to the adoption of the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO), which is a legal requirement that involves consultation with residents.

But Asha Hayes, who owns Yot, an independent cafe in Lower Heswall Village, said plans for pay & display car parking in the area would be 'damaging to our business'. 

His petition had more than 850 signatures within a day of its launch. Urging more people to add their names to the campaign, Mr Hayes wrote: "Our livelihood hinges on the frequent visitors who travel to and from this peaceful path; people who stop by our humble establishment for a warm cup of tea or a hearty sandwich.

"We feel a sense of community, hinging on the exchanges that occur within our cafe walls. However, the idea of enforcing a pay & display parking policy on Lower Banks Road threatens our survival."

He continued: "We represent the only business lining this serene street, and there's an absence of other noteworthy attractions that can justify charging for parking.

"Lower Heswall's beauty stems from its tranquility, not overcrowded tourist attractions.

"Thus, the proposed introduction of such a financial toll seems out of place, unnecessary, and damaging to our business."

Many comments left by people who have signed the petition have shown their support for Yot Cafe.

Among them was Claire Hatton, who wrote: "I love going to Yot and walking the dog on the Wirral way”.

Rhianne Byrne added "Adding a car park charge will have a negative impact on Yot’s business. I believe it will put many people off from visiting."

This is the second Change.org petition relating to car parking charges on the Wirral in the last month. 

A separate petition calling for Bromborough car park to remain free having been signed by over 3,500 people.

The petition can be found at Change.org/PayDisplayLowerHeswall

A council statement read: "The feedback provided as part of the consultation will be reported back to the Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee in December for a decision. No charges will be introduced before comments have been taken into consideration.

"For comments to be considered, any objections must include a reason why. The parking charges will help the authority manage traffic, congestion and ensure regular turnover of spaces and deliver on the approved Wirral Parking Strategy.

"They will also help continue to provide public car parking in a fair way, ensure any new parking plans are self-financing and continue to provide public car parking in a fair way and ensure any new parking plans are self-financing."

To take part and have a say on the proposals, click here