A major change has come into effect in Liverpool city centre, marking the end of free evening parking after 6pm. As of Sunday, July 14, Liverpool City Council has officially extended on-street parking charges until 11pm – a move that has sparked public backlash but could have knock-on effects for the city’s taxi and private hire trade.
The controversial change was first proposed more than two years ago, but is now a reality. Despite nearly 90% of public feedback opposing the plan, councillors say the extended charges are necessary to “standardise parking” and address persistent issues like pavement parking. Signage and pay-and-display machines have now been updated across the Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) to reflect the new rules.
New Parking Charges in Place
Under the new pricing scheme adopted last year:
- 30 minutes parking has increased from £1.20 to £2.00
- 1 hour parking now costs £4.00, up from £2.40
- Charging hours now run from 7am to 11pm, every day
Additional changes include converting many evening loading and limited-waiting bays into pay-and-display, residents-only, or disabled bays, and adding single yellow line restrictions. In the Hope Street area, the maximum stay for pay-and-display has been increased from two to four hours.
According to the council, the changes could generate up to £240,000 in additional annual revenue, with the cost of extra enforcement being covered by both existing budgets and these potential gains.
What This Means for the Taxi and Private Hire Trade in Liverpool
While many motorists are unhappy about losing free parking in the evenings, the changes may actually open a door for the local taxi and private hire industry. With fewer people able – or willing – to leave their cars parked in the city centre for hours at no cost, the convenience of taking a cab may become a more attractive option, especially for evening diners, theatre-goers, and late-night revellers.
This could lead to an uptick in business for hackney and private hire drivers operating in the city centre, particularly during evenings and weekends. However, there is a flipside – some residents may be put off visiting the city centre altogether, potentially impacting hospitality and nightlife footfall.
The overall outcome remains to be seen. While the council believes the move will improve parking consistency and support enforcement against problem parking, it could also shift local travel habits and boost demand for alternative transport – especially taxis.
As more updates and changes to the parking zones come into effect, both residents and businesses alike will be keeping a close eye on how the city adapts.
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