Residents in Speke are reporting severe disruption and unsanitary conditions caused by drivers using their streets to avoid parking fees at Liverpool John Lennon Airport. The ongoing issue has led to blocked roads, safety hazards for pedestrians, and calls for urgent intervention from Liverpool City Council and airport authorities.
Key Takeaways
- Speke residents are unable to park outside their homes due to holidaymakers and taxis avoiding airport charges.
- Reports include blocked pavements, obstructed funeral hearses, and litter including bottles of urine.
- Officials from the council, police, and the airport have formed a working group to find solutions.
- Residents are demanding a permit scheme, fencing, and bollards to control the parking.
Daily Life Disrupted for Speke Community
People living on residential streets near Liverpool John Lennon Airport (JLA), such as Hale Road and Western Avenue, say their lives are being consistently disrupted. The area has become a common drop-off, pick-up, and long-stay parking location for travellers and taxi drivers seeking to bypass official airport charges.
Residents describe a constant flow of vehicles at all hours, making it difficult to park near their own properties. The problem has escalated to the point where some feel trapped in their homes, unable to get their cars out of their driveways for essential appointments.
'Selfish Drivers' and Safety Concerns
Jason Worrall, a resident of Western Avenue for 19 years, described the situation as a significant decline from the once-quiet suburban road. He highlighted the daily challenges faced by the community.
"You come home, you can't park outside your own house. You go to bed, and you've got cars outside with the radios on and the lights on," Mr. Worrall said. "People are actually walking on the road because the cars are blocking the pavement. Sooner or later, someone’s going to get killed."
He added that the constant presence of unknown vehicles creates an atmosphere of unease, with many residents hesitant to confront drivers. "They know where you live but you don’t know where they live," he explained.
Understanding Airport Parking Charges
The parking issue is driven by the costs at Liverpool John Lennon Airport. The express drop-off area, located opposite the terminal, costs £6 for a 10-minute stay and £10 for up to 20 minutes. A free 20-minute drop-off option is available in car parks located a seven-minute walk from the terminal. These charges encourage some drivers to use nearby residential streets as a free alternative.
Unsanitary Conditions and Litter
The problems extend beyond traffic congestion. Residents report a significant increase in litter, with some drivers discarding waste directly onto the streets. Yvonne Reed, a 67-year-old resident of Hale Road, has taken to cleaning the area herself.
"They're peeing in bottles and leaving them everywhere," Ms. Reed stated. "This is constant." She emphasised the danger posed by vehicles parked on pavements, particularly for children attending a nearby school who are forced to step into the road to see past the obstructions.
"It's beyond ridiculous and beyond dangerous," she added.
Impact on Local Institutions and Businesses
The parking situation is not only affecting homeowners but also local businesses and community landmarks. Business owners on Hale Road have reported that the constant presence of parked cars has negatively impacted their trade.
A significant concern has been raised by All Saints Church on Speke Church Road, where parked vehicles frequently block access for hearses during funerals. Reverend Cate Jacobs confirmed the severity of the issue.
"We need access for funerals, which we have on a regular basis, and recently we've had a number of occasions where there have been cars parked outside and it's blocked the access for hearses," she said. "Obviously that's quite distressing. It is just not good for people coming for a funeral service to have to negotiate cars that are blocking the way."
Reverend Jacobs noted that the problem has worsened over the past three years and also contributes to litter in the churchyard. She supports calls for a residents' parking scheme and believes both the council and the airport have a responsibility to address the matter.
Escalating Tensions
Recent reports of two cars, believed to belong to holidaymakers, being damaged have highlighted the rising frustration within the community. While residents do not condone vandalism, they view it as a symptom of a long-ignored problem that is now reaching a breaking point.
Official Responses and Proposed Solutions
In response to the growing complaints, local authorities and the airport have acknowledged the problem and are exploring potential measures. A working group has been established, bringing together representatives from Liverpool City Council, Merseyside Police, and JLA.
Residents have put forward several potential solutions they believe could alleviate the pressure on their streets:
- Residential Parking Scheme: Introducing permits for residents to ensure they can park near their homes.
- Physical Barriers: Installing fencing along grass verges on Hale Road and bollards on Western Avenue to prevent pavement parking.
- Improved Signage: Clearer signs from the airport explicitly prohibiting parking in residential areas.
- Airport Policy Changes: A review of drop-off pricing and provision of larger, more accessible taxi ranks.
Statements from Authorities
A spokesperson for Liverpool City Council stated, "We understand the frustrations that residents have... and are exploring solutions to these. Plans are in place to gauge residents’ views before any potential solutions are put in place." The council also noted that it regularly enforces existing waiting restrictions in the area.
A JLA spokesperson confirmed they are "looking at ways to try to deter passengers from being dropped off and picked up on roads close to the airport, which is also causing disruption and is a nuisance for local residents."
Maria Eagle, MP for Liverpool Garston, confirmed her involvement, stating, "I’ve raised these issues with both Liverpool City Council and Liverpool John Lennon and discussions are ongoing around possible solutions."
Inspector Michelle Ingram of Merseyside Police said the force is aware of the issues and is working with partners on "long-term problem-solving and the implementation of traffic-controlling measures." She also confirmed that extra high-visibility patrols have been requested for the area, particularly at night.