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Formby Residents Left Frustrated After Council Overrules Parking Consultation
- Formby Bubble
- May 15
- 2 min read
Frustration is growing in #Formby after Sefton Council decided not to go ahead with proposed parking restrictions on Edenhurst Drive, Edenhurst Close, and Spruce Way, despite a clear majority of residents supporting the plans.
Earlier this year, residents were asked whether they wanted to see new restrictions brought in to tackle growing parking issues, particularly during busy coastal weekends and holidays. The proposal involved a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) aimed at easing pressure on local streets.
The consultation received a huge 83% response rate, and 66% of those who replied were in favour of the restrictions – twice as many as those against. But in a surprise move, councillors and council officers chose not to proceed with the plan, citing concerns about fairness, displacement of cars, and the impact on elderly residents or those with multiple vehicles and limited driveway space.
While these issues are understandable, many Formby residents feel their views have been dismissed.
“Why ask us if you’re not going to listen?” one local commented.
“The council encouraged us to take part, and now it feels like our opinions don’t count,” said another.
“A majority is a majority—if 66% isn’t enough, what is?”
Others have suggested a more balanced alternative:
“Why not consider a residents-only parking scheme?” asked one resident. “It could still control visitor parking without punishing the people who live here.”
The Council said that every response was carefully reviewed, and a number of broader concerns were considered—including how restricting certain areas might simply shift the parking problems onto neighbouring streets.
So, what happens now?
Sefton Council will continue monitoring the situation over the summer, working with National Trust, Green Sefton, and Parking Services to raise awareness about alternative car parks and promote responsible visitor parking.
Merseyside Police will carry out regular patrols under Operation Beachsafe, and they have committed to tackling obstructive pavement or driveway parking.
If a vehicle blocks your dropped kerb, residents can request a Civil Enforcement Officer to issue a fine—but be aware, this applies to any car obstructing access, including friends or visitors.
Email: parkingcc@sefton.gov.uk
Residents can also request an ‘H-bracket’ white line outside their driveway (at their own expense) by emailing traffic.management@sefton.gov.uk.
This decision has left many asking whether public consultations are truly meaningful if clear majority feedback can be overturned.
Formby residents continue to call for fairer and more responsive solutions that respect the voices of the people who live here—especially when those voices are loud and clear.
What do you think? Should we be pushing for residents-only parking? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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