Bosses mull new ANPR cameras to catch problem parkers and make town 'more attractive'
Cameras could soon be introduced in a Merseyside town centre to crack down on parking problems. Questions have been raised about why people have been allowed to park all over new paving that is part of a £26m revamp.
Since early May 2024, works along Grange Road, Conway Street, and Europa Boulevard have dominated Birkenhead town centre causing traffic delays, disruption for businesses, and a drop in footfall. Now sections of the town centre are finished including Grange Road, with around 80% of the project complete.
At a full council meeting on December 1, Oxton councillor Allan Brame said he was delighted to see the progress made with the scheme but questioned why cars were being allowed to park on the new paving in the town centre. Wirral Council leader Cllr Paula Basnett said she had asked officers to look into the matter.
Now the local authority has announced it will be looking to introduce numberplate recognition cameras in the town centre. Wirral Council said this would make the town centre “a more attractive place to visit and shop” by stopping cars entering pedestrian areas at key times.
Announcing the move, the council said: “These restrictions are designed to create a safe environment for shoppers, helping to keep access clear of motor vehicles.
“On Grange Road, the restriction limits the times vehicles can park in the pedestrianised area, reducing unnecessary traffic while still allowing businesses to load and unload goods. This helps keep this part of the town centre free from traffic during busy shopping hours.
“Previously enforced by Merseyside Police, Wirral Council was granted powers by the Department for Transport in 2023 to enforce these restrictions using ANPR technology.
“However, before introducing the use of ANPR technology, it is important that the council gives people the opportunity to have their say.”
A map published by the council will include the full length of Grange Road from Charing Cross to St John Street. The side roads of St John Street, Catherine Street, Vincent Street, Horatio Street, and Coburg Street are also set to be included in the plans.
The entire Birkenhead town centre project is expected to be done by March 9, 2026 with defects being worked through with contractors, though costs are now expected to rise to £26m.
With the barriers gone on Grange Road, people can freely walk down the high street for the first time in over a year. However sections of St John Street and Catherine Street remain the same as they were before work began as these roads were removed from the project due to rising costs.
From December 1, drivers have been able to park for free at the Pyramids and Conway Street multi-storey car parks which will continue for the whole of December. This is to get more people to visit the town but it has been criticised by Wirral’s Conservatives.
The two car parks for the Pyramids and the Grange have brought in nearly £230,000 so far this year. However they have only made £1,721 once costs related to running the multi-storeys is factored in.