PLANS to increase parking charges and extend charges to 25 more sites around the borough have been slammed by the leader of Wirral’s Conservatives.

Proposals for new parking charges were dropped by the local authority in 2022 due to intense opposition and legal challenges.

Wirral Council announced on September 25 a plan to bring in a traffic regulation order that would see charges introduced at 22 car parks on three roads where they're currently free. Car parks where people already pay are also set to see an increase.

Rates will range from £1.20 for one hour to £6 for four hours or more. A £1 overnight charge will also be brought in for anyone wanting to park between 6.30pm and 8am.

Among the sites are the ‘key’ tourist and visitor attractions at Kings Parade, Wallasey; North Parade and Meols Parade, and South Parade, West Kirby. Charges at these sites would be introduced and also include overnight parking charges.

Speaking after the council’s consultation on the plan, Cllr Jeff Green said if approved, the charges could be “the final straw” for many businesses on Wirral’s high streets.

He told the Globe: “The previous consultation on the council’s legally required parking strategy, which covered a range of parking issues, found that an overwhelming 77% of people do not want charges extended to car parks that are currently free.

“And yet, a few months later, residents are now being asked whether they support parking charges on our promenades and shopping areas.  

“The effects of charges in shopping areas can be seen from the damage done in Liscard and Birkenhead. Is this really the future the town hall wants for Bebington, Hoylake, Moreton and Heswall?

“We have consistently opposed parking charges in these locations. While residents are, yet again, being consulted, I’m afraid the town hall still isn’t listening.

“If Labour and Green councillors think now is a good time to get the bad news out of the way – after the general election and two years before the council elections - they are mistaken.

“The Conservative Group does not accept the town hall’s plans.

"We will be working with residents and businesses in our communities to persuade those behind the plan to think again.”

Wirral Council said: “If approved, these changes would allow the council to meet the costs of continuing to provide dedicated public car parking in a fair way and address future parking impacts by ensuring that any new parking plans are self-financing.”