Wirral Council has approved an expenditure of £800,000 for 160 new parking meters as part of a wider plan to introduce new parking charges across the borough. The decision is part of a larger £1.4 million, five-year contract to manage the area's parking payment systems, with new machines set for coastal towns and currently free car parks.
A recently published council decision notice confirms the plan, which will see charges introduced in areas including New Brighton, Hoylake, and West Kirby. The move aims to regulate parking and generate revenue, though it has faced opposition from some local councillors.
Key Takeaways
- Wirral Council will spend £800,000 on 160 new parking payment machines.
- The purchase is part of a five-year contract worth up to £1.4 million with International Parking Systems (UK) Ltd.
- New meters will be installed in 22 currently free car parks and on-street in coastal areas.
- Coastal locations targeted for new on-street charges include New Brighton, Wallasey, Meols, Hoylake, and West Kirby.
Details of the £1.4 Million Parking Contract
Wirral Council has formalized a five-year agreement with International Parking Systems (UK) Ltd to oversee its parking infrastructure. The contract, valued at up to £1.4 million, allocates specific funds for different aspects of the service.
Approximately £800,000 will be used for the purchase and installation of 160 new parking machines. The remaining £600,000 is designated for the ongoing management of the payment system, which includes monitoring payments and addressing technical faults across the network.
Long-Standing Partnership
International Parking Systems (UK) Ltd has been the council's provider for parking equipment and management systems since 2017. The council report noted the company has provided a "satisfactory service" during this period, influencing the decision to renew the contract.
The decision to continue with the current supplier was also a practical one. According to the council, choosing a new provider would have incurred "unnecessary costs" by requiring the replacement of 140 existing payment machines that are still in good working order and have an estimated lifespan of another five to ten years.
Locations for New Parking Charges Revealed
The new parking meters are a key component of the council's strategy to expand paid parking across the Wirral. The plan will affect both off-street car parks and on-street parking, particularly in popular coastal areas.
Charges are set to be introduced at 22 car parks that are currently free to use. While the specific car parks have not all been named, the expansion marks a significant policy shift for drivers in the borough.
Distribution of New Meters
The 160 new machines will be strategically placed to support the new charging zones. A report attached to the decision notice provides a clear breakdown:
- 30 new machines will be installed in off-street car parks.
- 130 new machines will be placed in on-street locations across three coastal areas.
The on-street charges will be focused on the coastal towns of New Brighton, Wallasey, Meols, Hoylake, and West Kirby. This move is expected to manage parking in high-traffic tourist and leisure destinations.
Existing Parking Network
Wirral Council currently operates 25 pay and display car parks. In addition, it manages on-street parking across 940 streets, primarily concentrated in and around central Birkenhead. The new charges will significantly expand this network.
Council's Rationale and Potential Consequences
The council report outlines several reasons for awarding the contract and proceeding with the parking charge expansion. A primary concern was the potential disruption that changing suppliers would cause.
Officials warned that halting the operation of the current parking meter system could lead to "uncontrolled parking on the council’s car parks and parts of the highway." This scenario could result in increased congestion and road safety issues.
Furthermore, any interruption to parking revenue collection would have a direct negative impact on the council's budget, which is already under financial pressure.
Funding and Political Opposition
The investment in new parking infrastructure is backed by previously approved funding. Earlier this year, councillors gave the green light for £1 million in capital borrowing to finance the project. This sum covers the cost of the new machines as well as associated expenses like road lining, signage, and some improvements to car parks.
However, the plan to introduce new charges has not been universally welcomed. Liberal Democrat councillor Phil Gilchrist has been a vocal opponent, expressing doubts about the financial benefits of the scheme.
"I haven’t dropped my concerns about this one. I hope that in time the more people recognise it’s not the pot of gold it might be."
Earlier this month, Councillor Gilchrist also highlighted delays in the procurement process for the new meters, suggesting potential setbacks in the implementation timeline. The council has not commented on these reported delays.
The decision notice, published on September 23, is scheduled to come into force on September 27, allowing the council to proceed with the contract and the installation of the new machines.