Could Parking Fines Increase in Formby? MP Discusses Tougher Measures Including Vehicle Towing
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Formby MP Bill Esterson has revealed that increasing parking fines and introducing the power to tow away vehicles causing an obstruction were among the measures discussed during a meeting with Merseyside Police, local councillors and the Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner.
The discussions focused on a range of issues affecting Formby, including neighbourhood policing, anti social behaviour, traffic congestion, illegal parking and environmental crime.
Mr Esterson met with officers from Merseyside Police, Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell, Formby West councillor Peter Harvey and Formby East councillor Anthony Howe to hear about the challenges facing the town and the work currently being carried out to address them.
One of the key updates from the meeting was that four police officers are now operating from Formby Police Station. Mr Esterson said he was encouraged by the increase in the local police presence, adding that it should improve response times and provide greater visibility in the community throughout the year.
The group also visited Duke Street Park to discuss the progress made in tackling anti social behaviour. According to Mr Esterson, the police and local councillors have worked together on a number of improvements, including upgrading CCTV coverage, making the park more secure and creating a more welcoming environment for residents and families.
Parking and traffic issues at Victoria Road and Larkhill Lane were also high on the agenda. During busy summer weekends and holidays, the area regularly experiences severe congestion, with vehicles parked illegally or inconsiderately, sometimes blocking roads, access routes and emergency vehicles.
Mr Esterson said discussions included the possibility of introducing higher parking fines, arguing that the current £35 penalty is no longer an effective deterrent. The meeting also explored the option of removing vehicles that are causing an obstruction by towing them away, something many residents have called for during periods of heavy visitor traffic.
The MP confirmed he has already written to the Transport Secretary to explore whether councils could be given greater flexibility to increase parking fines where appropriate. He said he has since shared the Government’s response with Sefton Council and hopes there may be a way forward.
The meeting also covered the continuing problem of nitrous oxide canisters being discarded in and around Formby. Mr Esterson said he intends to raise the issue with Government ministers following his discussions with Merseyside Police, the Police and Crime Commissioner and local councillors.
The discussions come as Formby continues to face increasing pressure from visitor numbers during the summer months, particularly around the National Trust coastline, where parking, congestion and anti social behaviour have become recurring concerns for many residents.
What do you think?
Would increasing parking fines and towing away obstructing vehicles make a difference in Formby, or are other measures needed to tackle the town’s ongoing parking problems? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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