Merseytravel, Stagecoach and Arriva buses, Liverpool City Council, Merseyside Police and Halton Transport will be working together to reduce traffic congestion and keep the city centre moving in the lead up to Christmas. The aim is to support the city’s economy by reducing illegal parking and monitoring traffic flow to make sure that bus services remain as punctual as possible and get passengers to where they want to go.


Illegal parking, which causes traffic congestion at busy times, will be addressed through parking enforcement in ‘hot spot’ areas. Bus operators and highways staff will also report illegal parking that they see causing a problem, and PCSO and Police Officers will stop taxis and private vehicles from dropping off in bus stops and road junctions, and from blocking yellow box junction markings in the city centre.
This way of working to share information and resources was used last year and was judged to be more effective than if each agency had worked alone.
Key advice: use public transport wherever possible and avoid travelling at peak times if you can.
Cllr Liam Robinson, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Transport Portfolio Holder said: “Building on last year’s plan we want to keep the City Centre moving, helping commuters and shoppers to get around as easily as possible. By working together and sharing resources we have the best chance of doing this, not only to reduce congestion but also to address the resulting air pollution that congestion can cause.”
Alex Crane, Operations Director at Stagecoach Merseyside, said: “We’re pleased to be working collaboratively to tackle congestion over the festive period by adopting a strategic and innovative approach which will ensure knowledge and resources are being shared between our partners to improve traffic flow, reduce pollution and ultimately make the run up to Christmas a happier, and less stressful experience.”
Howard Farrall, Arriva Merseyside, managing director said: "Arriva is committed to reducing and tackling the issues surrounding road congestion, in particular in the run up to Christmas where traffic is at an all-time high, and so we are proud to be working in partnership with other local operators and Police to help combat the problem.
"We hope that the new initiative will make travelling less stressful and more enjoyable for all, and we urge people to consider alternative modes of transport when making plans to travel into the city."
Merseyside Police Traffic Management Constable Andy Astle said: “We want all road users to travel as smoothly and safely as possible this Christmas and all year round, and this innovative partnership work will help massively.


“Roads Policing officers will be supporting our partners at key locations over the festive period to ensure that vehicles are not creating unnecessary hazards on our busy city centre roads.”

The joint working operation runs until 31 December 2018.

Whilst not trying to condone illegal parking, it does seem that our overstretched Police force, which doesn’t have the resources to investigate burglaries and car theft, has yet again found Officers available to ‘pick on’ the already hard pressed motorist. Goes to show where their priorities lie.