Southport Beach parking charges cut by 20% as council freezes other beach parking costs

Parking charges for Southport Beach are set to be reduced by 20% in time for this spring and summer. 

Sefton Council has decided to cut the current charges for all day parking on the beach from £10 per day to £8 (admission 10am -8.30pm tba) and from £5 to £4 for late admission (4pm onwards). 

Green Sefton, the Sefton Council department which manages Sefton’s coast, countryside, parks and greenspaces, made the recommendation to councillors due to “lower uptake in 2021 and competition in the area”. 

The charges would apply from April, and would be in place for 2022/23. 

Sefton Council has decided to freeze other existing parking charges on beaches at Southport and Ainsdale, deciding against increasing them in line with inflation, despite the current pressures on the council’s budget. 

It means that all day parking charges for Ainsdale Beach remain at £10 with £5 for late admission after 4pm. 

Council officers said that their Season Tickets (Foreshore Tickets), which cover parking on Southport Beach and Ainsdale Beach, remain very popular with motorists. 

These costs remain at just £30 for Sefton residents or drivers with electric or hybrid cars, with a £60 charge for all other motorists. 

All day horsebox and / or minibus parking fees remain at £16 per day (£8 late fee); vehicle recovery direct (if in-house team and tractor are available) stays at £100, with £50 for an external contractor; with a £100 unauthorised vehicle access penalty charge remaining the same. 

In her report to councillors, Sefton Council Head of Operational In-House Services Michelle Williams said: “Based on lower uptake at Southport (whose beach has more competition and a different ‘offer), consideration was given to amending these further for different charging on the ‘shoulder months’ of the season, but given the peaks seen in schools holidays (which vary considerably) and bank holidays, it was felt that a static charge across the season is more appropriate.

“Season passes were very successful, especially the resident / electric vehicle concession.

“Sefton residents are experiencing increasing hardship and the promotion of health and fitness after a long period of physical inactivity will be important for the public.

“Where possible, we have sought to add new fees and charges and to increase fees above inflation only for commercial income areas, and if there are reasonable grounds for doing so.

“Some changes have been proposed also, based on observing income trends (such as the amendments to Southport Beach Car Park).” 

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