Airport ‘Parking Wars’ Escalate โwith Vehicle Damageโ asโฃ Dispute Continues
A dispute over airport parking has escalated, with reports โขof โcars being smashed โขup and egged โas โคtensionsโ riseโค between Liverpool John Lennon Airport, taxi drivers, and local residents. The โissue centers on private hire drivers parking on public roads near the airportโ to avoidโ parking charges.
The Liverpoolโฃ Echo reported in October 2023 that the airport is frustrated by โdrivers choosing to park on adjacent streets, despite the availability of a free drop-off/pick-up car park closer to the terminal. An airport spokesperson stated, “We are naturally disappointed to see drivers parking on public โขroads adjacent to the airport who are clearlyโค doing this so as not to incur any parkingโฃ chargesโฆ forcing their passengers to walk further.” โฃ
Airport parking charges are comparable to other airports, with options available โfor as little as ยฃ51.99 forโ a week’s parking, offering “all the associated security benefits.”โฃ The airport continues to encourageโค drivers to utilize official car parks for pick-ups, drop-offs, and โlonger-term parking. They’ve previously communicated with โthe city’s private hire drivers, โrequesting they use โฃtheโค official facilities, including the freeโ 40-minute drop-off zone.
Liverpool City Council conducts compliance checks โคon taxis as part โof โ”Operation Jet,” ensuring vehicles have bookings and are carrying the permittedโ number of passengers. Though, a council representativeโ clarified that a vehicle parked legally – not obstructing traffic, adhering to waiting restrictions, and being โtaxed, MOT’d, andโ insured โค- dose not constitute an offense, though they willโ continue โtoโค engage โฃwith the airport regarding the concerns.
The airport and council have previously discussed the issue, and enforcement action has already been taken, with fines issued for illegally parked vehicles. Residents have suggested a resident-only โparking permit scheme as a solution, citing โฃthe success of similar schemes near Anfield and Goodison Park during match days.
The airport spokesperson expressed support for this idea, stating, “We agree with many local residents that a resident’s only parking permit scheme is the bestโฃ solution.”