Formby Dunes Restoration Project Causes Traffic Chaos

HOT weather continues to plague Formby and Freshfield with severe traffic and dangerous parking, a persistent issue since the COVID19 Lockdowns. The weekend of:- 12 July to 13 July 2025 saw conditions worsen due to an ongoing National Trust conservation project.

On 12 July 2015, roads leading to the beach and residential side roads were blocked by dangerously parked vehicles and extreme congestion, fuelled by both local traffic mixing with the high volumes of tourist traffic. Residents reported difficulties reaching work and hospital appointments, with emergency services also facing major delays responding to call outs.

Gail Parkin commented:- "My road has been horrendous for the last 2 days! Awful inconsiderate people Parking were they feel like. I had someone park across my driveway. Sefton Council really need to get a grip of the situation.  I will be glad when it rains sad thing to say."

Merseyside Police are now regularly fining and removing illegally parked vehicles in the area, yet on 12 July, the volume of dangerously parked vehicles overwhelmed the area.  1 of the Officers has publicly said:- "Part of my shift involved helping the the large build up of traffic in the Lifeboat area of Formby with my team mates. We understand the frustration of residents, this has been the busiest I have seen it for 7 years, but we tried our best to keep traffic moving. Several tickets for 'Unnecessary obstruction' were issued to cars parked inconsiderably on pavements. Many thanks to the community spirited resident who saw me melting and handed me a much needed ice cold cup of water..."

Despite advisories, visitors are reportedly travelling from as far as:- Birmingham and Wolverhampton, contributing to the ongoing gridlock.

But what is the National Trust doing? The conservation charity's work they are currently undertaking is part of a long term commitment to conserve the Sefton Coast, promising benefits for both people and wildlife. The project involves removing the existing beach car park and tonnes of associated construction rubble; remnants of the old Harington Barracks demolished after World War II. This rubble, which formed the foundations of the old car park, is now being exposed by natural coastal processes, disconnecting wildlife habitats and restricting beach access.

Most of the rubble is being processed on-site and repurposed as a sub-base for a new, more sustainable car park further inland. To ensure safety, the large work site, extending from Victoria Road and Badgers Rake onto the beach, is fenced off, meaning no pedestrian access to the beach through this area. Some noise from heavy machinery is expected.

The National Trust's Lifeboat Road Car Park and toilets in Formby remain open, but parking is extremely limited. Visitors are strongly advised against driving to National Trust Formby on sunny days this summer to avoid being turned away. The National Trust recommends travelling by train to Formby Station or considering alternative beaches:- "Once the rubble is removed, we'll work with nature to restore this rare habitat. Over time, we expect the dunes to shift and move, as part of natural coastal change, and for marram grass to grow, helping to stabilise areas. The result: a dynamic, connected and healthy dune habitat where wildlife can thrive. We'll be monitoring the changes and giving nature a helping hand as needed."

This project aims to solve the long standing problem of the huge amounts of rubble that was spilling out on to the beach. The rubble is all that remains of the old Harington Barracks, which were demolished after the 2nd World War. The demolition rubble was used to form the foundations of the old beach car park. Natural processes that create Formby's fast shifting shoreline mean that each year, more rubble is being exposed. The rubble is disconnecting wildlife habitats and restricting visitor access to the beach.

Relocating the car park not only solves the rubble issue, but will also help ensure there is space for people to park and enjoy Formby for years to come. The vision is to create healthier habitats where rare dune wildlife can thrive and a safer, more natural space for people to enjoy.

Amy Peacock, General Manager for the National Trust's Formby and Central Lancashire properties, said:- "We understand people will be disappointed to miss out on a trip to Formby this summer, but everyone's support and understanding is greatly appreciated as we work to enhance this special space for wildlife and people."

National Trust is continuing to collaborate with partners along the Sefton Coast to manage the increased challenges busy days will bring over the summer holidays. A visitor management plan has been agreed, including:- diversion route signs for cars and people walking to the beach. The National Trust Formby website and social media will feature frequent reminders about the car park closure and urge people not to visit by car on sunny days.

The charity is also working with a specialist traffic management company at the top of Lifeboat Road every day over the summer holidays, assisting with traffic flow, turning cars around when the car park is full and directing people to alternative, nearby beaches, like:- Ainsdale and Southport.

Mark Sopp, Group Manager for Community Safety at Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, said:- "We urge everyone to park responsibly to ensure that our firefighters can respond to potentially life threatening emergency incidents without delay and keep the area safe for all. Additionally, we ask visitors to please take their rubbish home, including:- cigarettes and glass bottles, and refrain from lighting fires or BBQs, to protect both people and wildlife. If you see a grass fire, report it immediately by calling 999, giving as much detail as possible, including the nearest main road. Thank you for your support."

Inspector Graham Fisher, Sefton Local Policing, said:- "As the summer holidays approach, we will continue working closely with partner agencies to encourage people to enjoy the coastline and National Trust areas safely. We would ask that you plan your journeys, taking into account the planned car park closure at Formby Beach and look for alternative destinations. We want visitors to enjoy all that Sefton has to offer."

Cllr Mhairi Doyle, Sefton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said:- "It is more important than ever for visitors to plan their journey in advance of heading to our coastline this summer. Ainsdale beach is a popular destination with fantastic facilities, including:- a beach car park, toilets, and a food and drink outlet. However, beach car parking is limited and can be closed due to high tides or poor sand conditions. Before setting off by car, always check the Council website for the latest information online at:- Sefton.Gov.UK/Beaches. We strongly encourage visitors to explore public transport options, or even better, active travel such as cycling or walking to our coastline. Not only are there many wonderful health benefits to active travel, but small changes like this help us all, with our collective efforts to reduce carbon emissions. We understand that local residents may have concerns regarding parking and traffic during this period, that's why the Council is working closely with Merseyside Police and National Trust to minimise disruption as much as possible."

Suzanne Grant, Deputy Managing Director and Chief Commercial Officer at Merseyrail, said:- "With regular services every 15 minutes, travelling by train is the most convenient way to visit beaches along the Sefton Coast this summer. We recommend getting off at Formby station, which is within walking distance from the National Trust Lifeboat Road car park. Join us in supporting this important conservation project whilst enjoying a hassle free journey."

The dune restoration element of this project is part of a wider programme of conservation work happening at National Trust Formby through the UK wide Dynamic Dunescapes project funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund and EU LIFE Programme, which is based on the pioneering idea that dunes which move and change shape are better for nature than those which are stable. The National Trust is funding the remainder of this conservation project, thanks to the support of National Trust members and visitors. More information on this project and ways to support the National Trust's work can be found on the National Trust Formby website.

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