New car park at Ainsdale Beach in Southport to open this April as car parking charges revealed

Parking charges have been revealed for the new beach parking facilities being created at Ainsdale Beach in Southport. 

The new car park will be ready to open this April, at the same time other beach car parks in Sefton open up again. 

A new, cashless payment system will be introduced, which will be welcome news in these Covid aware times. 

Options for new toilet facilities are being explored alongside a trial for new off-beach food and drink vendors, all with a view to enhancing visitors’ experiences at Ainsdale.

This week, Cllr Moncur approved a freeze on the car parking season ticket for all Sefton residents, which was introduced last year, meaning they can continue to enjoy the beach and save money after just three visits.

The specially reduced ticket costing just £30, also remains available to anyone driving an electric or hybrid car, as part of measures to encourage the use of more environmentally-friendly transport.

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Meanwhile, the standard day visitor rate for the car park will increase by £2, to £10 per day to cover the costs of the latest improvements and generate income for the long-term care of Sefton’s unique 22-mile coastline.

Cllr Moncur said: “Further improvement of facilities will provide a better environment for people to enjoy this beautiful space, while protecting our special wildlife and landscape, and tackling car parking concerns.

“I am particularly pleased that the Council can continue to offer a favourable car parking rate for Sefton residents, and electric and hybrid car drivers.

“We often say we want visitors to our beaches to leave nothing but their footprints, but we can now help them think about their carbon footprint too as well as encouraging them to enjoy these special sites.”

Residents and visitors alike will continue to be encouraged to travel by other means to the beach too, as part of the Council’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and tackling the Climate Change Emergency. People can access the coast via local walking and cycling routes, as well as wheelchair and pram friendly access through Ainsdale station and village. 

Beach car parking charges for 2021:

• £10 per day for cars
• £16 per day for horseboxes or minibuses
• 50% off the above rates after 4pm subject to car parking management arrangements
• £30 season ticket for Sefton residents and those who drive an electric or hybrid vehicle

An online form to purchase season tickets will be made available on the Sefton Council website in the coming weeks. 

In 2020, the Council saw huge numbers of visitors flocking to the coast. This highlighted the need for further investment to maintain the best possible experience for all beach users, while factoring in important conservation and environmental needs.  

As part of the investment, designs are now being drawn up for an off-beach car park that will help to reduce the impact on local communities who have been affected by irresponsible parking in the past.

Current national lockdown restrictions still apply to the use of outdoor spaces across Sefton, with people being advised not to travel to the coastline for exercise if it is not local to them.

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