NEW parking charges in Wirral look set to narrowly pass ahead of a key meeting on December 3 as options are weighed up.

Wirral Council officers put forward proposals for new charges at 22 car parks and roads in three coastal areas as well as increases to fees already paid and an £1 overnight charge.

In September, the local authority announced a plan to bring in traffic regulation orders seeking comments and objections about the plans. However the plans drew quick backlash from people in areas like New Brighton and Bromborough as well as criticisms from Conservative and Liberal Democrat councillors.

At an environment and transport committee on December 3, councillors are recommended to approve new charges on 22 car parks and on-street bays in three areas that are currently free as well as increase fees by 20p where it already charges. A £1 charge could also be brought in overnight.

The council said this would be in line with a policy that was unanimously approved in 2023. This parking strategy said the council could apply the same parking charges across the borough as well as the ability to introduce traffic regulations where required.

Money raised from these new parking charges are expected to be around £150,000 to £300,000 from 2026 with any income not expected to be generated until summer next year in 2025. However a £1m bid will be needed to cover the costs of pay and display equipment, new signs, maintenance and lines on roads which will be covered by borrowing.

A public feedback exercise carried out by the council before making the changes was filled out by 3,070 people with 85% or more opposing on-road charges in Hoylake and Meols, West Kirby, Wallasey, and New Brighton. 93.9% said they opposed bringing in charges for car parks where it’s currently free.

Despite the controversy, charges look set to pass with Labour and Green councillors on its environment, climate emergency, and transport committee indicating they are considering options when it comes to charges. However the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have continued to criticise the plans, even petitioning against them.

Labour have five councillors on the committee while the Green Party have two. At least six votes are needed for parking charges to pass with the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats representing four councillors.

The Conservatives argue parking charges have contributed to declining town centres in Birkenhead and Liscard, calling it “a kick in the teeth to shops and businesses.” However data published by the council did show no drop in trips in the 25 weeks after standardised parking charges were brought in in 2021.

Conservative deputy leader Lesley Rennie said introducing parking meters was not the answer to plug a £400,000 loss on a parking contract, adding: “Any councillor voting for this, at a time when the cost of living is still going up, and with growing economic uncertainty, needs a reality check. The town hall’s consultation is clear. People, shops and businesses do not support Labour’s plans.”

Liberal Democrat councillor Allan Brame said officers had advised against introducing charges in half of the 22 car parks two years ago, adding: ”The Council’s financial troubles are caused by the spiralling costs of social care and looking after children in our care. They are not going to be addressed by tinkering with parking charges and spending £1 million on installing new parking meters.”

However Labour said it was “misleading in the extreme to suggest this shows that 93% of people think anything” given large numbers of people did not fill out the consultation. Cllr Liz Grey said as the council had asked for objections, “it is no surprise that we should see them among those who did respond.”

She added: “We are taking great care to reflect on all responses and note the concerns. However, we also have a duty to ensure that car parks are properly maintained to a standard expected by residents and that requires them to have the funds to do so. Car parking charges can also be used to manage traffic and environmental concerns, and we will look at arguments in these matters too.

“All valid concerns must be taken seriously and any decisions need to be mindful of the legal parameters. Just like our residents, Councils across the country are still struggling after 14 years of Tory Government austerity and we need to ensure we are as fair to all our residents as possible when we look at setting any charges. That will be our main concern.”

Labour do not have a majority on the environment committee or across the council meaning they need the support of at least one other party to pass any policy they support. The Green Party, who also supported parking charges in the past, said they will be seeking “to get a resolution that is fair for as many people as possible.”

Cllr Gail Jenkinson said Blue Badge holders and volunteer groups will be able to park for free while businesses can get permits for less than £14 per week, adding: “For people struggling financially, owning a car may not be an option, yet they are the most likely to experience the worst air quality and the highest levels of traffic danger, which is why it is so important to improve walking and public transport.”