Liverpool’s late-night parking charges could face a legal challenge.
The city council brought an end to free on street parking after 6pm in July last year despite an overwhelming public response with 90% in opposition to the plans.
It means the current restrictions in the city centre now run until 11pm with the move coinciding in a price increase for both 30-minute sessions and hourly rates.
More than 7,000 motorists were stung by the new hours in its first three months.
But the local authority risk being taken to court over the controversial measures by Alfie Hincks, a former city councillor and founder of Seascope Maritime Training.
Mr Hincks’ organisation is seeking to overturn the enforced hours with other city businesses joining to seek legal advice around a potential legislation breach.
The proposed action has also been backed by local Liberal Democrats leader Carl Cashman.
“We believe these parking measures risk damaging the city centre economy at a time when businesses are already facing immense pressures,” Mr Hincks told the Liverpool Echo.
“Liverpool is a fantastic city with a proud business community, but policies like this risk making it harder for employers, workers and customers alike.
“We believe there are important legal questions that now deserve to be properly tested.”
A council spokesperson maintained that they were ‘satifsfied’ that they had acted both ‘lawfully and properly’ in their approach to the new extended parking rules.