Be aware as summer nears
The beach car park at Ainsdale in summer
WINTER hats are hung on the peg again by those working on the coast as preparations for another busy summer gather pace from Southport to Crosby.
Visitors increase dramatically as the weather improves with day trippers travelling to enjoy this spectacular stretch of coastline from as far afield as Warwickshire and Yorkshire. They join many local visitors who use the coast for a variety of reasons as the days grow longer.
Obviously the increase in visitors puts pressure on what is a fragile and protected landscape but doesn’t matter where you’re from, the need to treat the coast with care stays the same.
It is imperative that those visiting the coast respect the habitat, wildlife and other visitors that are there too.
A Public Space Protection Order explaining activities that are not allowed on the
Sefton coastline can be found here. The order is to help ensure the borough’s coastline and town centres can be enjoyed by everyone.
Activities covered by the PSPO, which came into force last year, include littering and pollution, fires and BBQs, dog fouling, balloons or lantern releases, and antisocial behaviour. Failure to comply can result in a £75 Fixed Penalty Notice. The order will be in place for three years, until summer 2025.
Feedback from local communities, visitors and partner agencies, gained through a public consultation, has been used to shape the order. Beach car parks at Southport and Ainsdale are generally open daily between 1st April and 30th September.
However, they do need to close or be reduced in size depending on tidal and weather conditions, sometimes for organised events (such as the Southport Air Show) and at other times as determined by the Council (eg pollution incidents). Beach car parks are closed at night.
We also need to take close note of the weather conditions, especially wind direction and strength – certain conditions may require further closures.
Beach car parking charges for 2023 are as follows: £8 per day for cars at Southport beach £10 per day for cars at Ainsdale beach £16 per day for horseboxes or minibuses 50 per cent off the above rates after 4pm subject to car parking management arrangements £35 season ticket for Sefton residents and those who drive an electric or hybrid vehicle £70 season ticket for non-Sefton residents Season tickets can be purchased online by visiting: https://forms. sefton.gov.uk/beachparking/ You can call 0151 934 2961 or email Green Sefton for further enquiries.
A new off-beach car park for
Ainsdale is in the planning process. There are many other pay and display car parks in the Southport area just a short walk away from the beach.
Crosby beach is backed by a promenade, from where you can safely view the Antony Gormley’s “Another Place” iron men.
There are several pay and display car parks adjacent or close to the promenade.
Car parking for the beach at Formby is managed by the National Trust, who have lots of helpful tips you should read when planning your visit there – for details see their website: www. nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/liverpool-lancashire/formby Visitors
John works for Green Sefton, the Sefton Council service that brings together the coast & countryside, parks & green spaces, flooding & coastal erosion, risk management and grounds maintenance teams for a joined-up approach to the vital management, development and oversight of Sefton’s beautiful coastline, parks and green spaces. This column looks at the flora, fauna and history of the coastline, and the work carried out to protect it. should not park in residential areas and should expect a fine for anti-social, irresponsible and illegal car parking. It is a key priority for our Enforcement Officers, working alongside Merseyside Police, to tackle parking issues near the coast and resources will be increased in areas where they persist.