This week I met with local Speke residents, Councillors, Council officers and a representative from the airport to discuss ongoing problems with parking in and around the airport site. Although this problem is particularly bad on Hale Rd, evidence presented by the residents shows that it is a problem right across the estate, with people leaving cars as far away as Clough Rd and Tarbock Rd to avoid paying for parking.

There is also a problem with taxi firms and Uber drivers picking up and dropping off holidaymakers and travellers at antisocial hours, starting around 4am and going into the night as later flights come in, as well as a particular problem with drivers using gardens as toilets and dumping bottles into residents’ hedges. It is a problem that has been going on for nearly 20 years but has worsened recently.

All parties in the meeting want to see a solution to the situation, with the council holding a consultation in April that I will share furthers details of here and on social media. New signage is already in the process of being put in place but ideas from residents include permit parking and planters or barriers along Western Ave and other badly hit roads.

There was also a suggestion of an expanded red route, though this may only push the problem further away. This has been introduced at Leeds Bradford Airport and has been successful. The airport are looking at putting a barrier on their entrance from Hale Road that would block pedestrian access from that side of the airport grounds to make parking there less attractive.

I will be working with all parties to find a workable solution. Residents have my sympathy as some have been threatened and abused when confronting drivers who often block access or dropped kerbs. The meeting was positive but a long-term solution is needed.