Letter to Editor:- "Formal Complaint Regarding Traffic Congestion and Unsafe Parking in Formby"

"DEAR Councillors, I'm writing to formally raise serious concerns regarding the volume of traffic currently being allowed into Formby and the increasingly dangerous consequences this is having for residents. The level of congestion has become completely unmanageable, and the lack of adequate traffic control is leading to widespread reckless and inconsiderate parking throughout the area. Vehicles are regularly parked on:- double yellow lines, on corners and across grass verges, creating significant safety hazards and obstructing roads and pavements. This is preventing safe access for:- wheelchair users, parents with prams and pedestrians generally, and is making many residential streets extremely difficult to navigate. The situation is also having a serious impact on access for emergency services. I personally witnessed several emergency vehicles struggling to get through because roads were obstructed by poor parking and because some drivers were unwilling to move their vehicles. This is deeply concerning and poses a real risk to public safety. The disruption has also had a direct impact on my work and ability to travel. On Monday, 25 May 2026, I left my home on:- Bushbys Lane, at approximately:- 3:15 pm to travel to work to teach at:- En Pointe Dance, in Crosby. Due to the severe congestion, I was unable to leave Formby and had no option, but to cancel my classes. After eventually receiving direction from the Police to travel via:- Kirklake." A local resident (Name and details withheld by our Editor)

Sefton issues a reminder to Motorists visiting the coast

SEFTON Council has issued a reminder to visitors about the importance of planning and acting responsibly when visiting its beaches. This comes after disappointing anti social activity that took place over the last Bank Holiday weekend.

During warm and sunny weather, coastal locations including beaches at:- Ainsdale, Formby and Crosby receive an extraordinary number of visitors.

While Sefton Council fully understands why visitors want to visit its beautiful coastline, and welcomes them, this should not be at the cost, inconvenience or safety of local residents.

Inconsiderate and illegally parking on residential streets near to beaches can make pavements unusable and inaccessible for some. It could also prevent emergency vehicles such as:- ambulances and fire engines from reaching incidents at the beaches themselves and in local people's homes.

Unfortunately, this weekend saw some visitors, who flock to Sefton from across the whole of the North West and beyond, park in this way. Irresponsible and dangerous parking led to around 700 parking fines being issued by enforcement team members across the Bank Holiday weekend.

Further reports of anti social behaviour were reported to Sefton Council, with staff from its Green Sefton service diverted from their regular maintenance and community work to deal with its effects, including:- littering and damage to toilet facilities.

The Council also understands there were anti social incidents at local rail stations and other locations.

Anti social behaviour impacts residents, other visitors and Sefton's protected natural habitat, and is unacceptable.

Mark Shaw, Service Manager for the Council's Green Sefton Service, said:- "We have always said that we welcome visitors to our coastline. All we ask is that they act responsibly when they come here, show some consideration for the local people who live here all year round and respect the coast. We also ask them to leave the place as they find it, which might mean taking your rubbish away with you. That's not too much to ask and if people can't manage that or want to engage in unacceptable anti-social behaviour, we'd prefer that they went elsewhere."

Sefton Council added:- "We will continue to have Traffic Enforcement Officers on patrol, with fines issued to those breaching restrictions, as part of efforts to keep visitors and residents safe. Motorists are also reminded to only pay parking fines through official channels, as the Council does not request payments via text message..."

Beach going motorists reminded to park responsibly or face parking fines...

Advice for visitors...

The advice regularly issued by Sefton Council, as well as other landowners on the Sefton Coast, is to expect potential congestion and heavy delays if choosing to visit the coast on hot or sunny days.

Every year, ahead of hot, sunny spells and Bank Holidays, Sefton Council and other local landowners put out reminders to visitors asking them to plan their journeys and, ideally, use public transport.

Consider leaving the car at home and use public transport, with Merseyrail Stations within walking or cycling distance of:- Southport, Formby, Ainsdale and Crosby beaches.

If you are driving, motorists are being urged to park legally and considerately.

Drives should keep a look out for the signage that is in place on roads heading to the areas coastal locations which offer guidance to drivers and updates on parking issues.

Parking is limited and on Monday, spaces across multiple sites were quickly filled, at which point the car parks were closed.

Sefton Council is stressing its warns that dangerous or inconsiderate parking such as:- blocking pavements, cycle lanes or access routes can create hazards for pedestrians, particularly vulnerable groups, and delay emergency services. Also, clear wars on the Coast Road between the A565 and Southport will be enforced.

Sefton Council continues to review parking on the coast and is working with its partners to ensure that residents and visitors can enjoy Sefton's beaches safely. The Council is reviewing signage to ensure that messaging remains clear for visitors and will continue working closely with Merseyside Police to manage traffic, with public safety being the priority.

Those planning to visit the coast as the warm weather continues are advised to stay safe, follow all signage, listen to guidance provided by the Police and on-site staff, and to keep an eye out for parking updates online.

Visitors are also reminded that a coastal Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) is in place, with information available online the Sefton Council website:- Sefton.Gov.UK.

Mark Shaw added:- "We do all we can to encourage visitors to think ahead, remembering that the area will be busy and that parking is limited. We ask them to use public transport, although we appreciate large numbers of people all wanting to travel at the same time can lead to delays. As with any busy destination or event, it's about doing a bit of planning ahead and exercising some patience. On busy days, it's worth considering all of the options available, including:- the coast's beautiful nature reserves, Sefton's numerous parks and the many attractions open to the public across the Borough."

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Letter to Editor:- "Formal Complaint Regarding Traffic Congestion and Unsafe Parking in Formby"

Sefton issues a reminder to Motorists visiting the coast