The council will adjust parking around Everton’s new stadium after problems were reported at the test event. Changes are expected soon.
People complained about the parking scheme near Regent Road. They also disliked the fan system at Sandhills station. Cllr Liam Robinson said they would make “practical tweaks.” He spoke after the first test event.
He said the event was an “important milestone.” The test helped check things around the stadium. He works with others on public transport, and they are talking to concerned residents and businesses.
The council will adjust the parking rules soon. A temporary order lets them change things easily. He said they want to make quick “practical tweaks,” and they may give more permits to businesses. Some businesses said ten permits were not enough, and parking further away might allow two hours.
They might also add pay and display machines. The council listens to feedback carefully and can’t allow completely free parking. But, they know there are local issues. They must manage parking around Liverpool consistently, and the parking scheme runs all year, not just on game days.
The council wants to stop commuter parking. Commuters should pay for city center parking, or they should use public transport. Road closures were slow during the test event causing extra traffic problems. He will meet with fan groups and Steve Rotheram.
A jewelry business owner, Brittany Kefira, called in, wanting action, not just promises. Paul Blair spoke for many affected businesses. Sales dropped 47% since the changes, and community fun days lost 60% of visitors, most of whom drive to those events.
Cllr Robinson understands the negative impact and wants to work with businesses to fix it. He agreed there may have to be compromises. Fans also had problems with trains at Sandhills. Signage needs improvement to guide people.
A new footbridge will help people use the station. Matchday trains should have eight carriages. They are working on technical details with the Ormskirk line, which would let trains carry more people.