00:00More than £1 million has been generated through Liverpool's extended city centre parking charges, according to figures released by the
00:09council.
00:09The figures cover the first year after the controlled parking zone was changed, with charges extended from 6 in the
00:16evening until 11 at night.
00:18A Freedom of Information request by Liverpool business leaders to the council found that more than 143,000 parking tickets
00:27were purchased within the controlled zone during that period.
00:30Liverpool council estimates around £1.1 million came from parking transactions that were wholly or partly within the new chargeable
00:39period.
00:40Liverpool business leaders are now challenging the charges through legal proceedings.
00:45The group says parking charges should have a clear transport purpose and is asking the council to publish the cost
00:52of operating the scheme, the net income and evidence about any impact on Liverpool's evening economy.
00:57The council says the changes were introduced because growth in the city and its night-time economy had increased demand
01:03for parking.
01:03The council says that had generated pressure on spaces, congestion, unsafe parking and reduced access for residents, visitors and businesses.
01:12It also says income from on-street parking and parking charge notices is reinvested in the transport and highways network,
01:20including maintenance, technology, parking services and enforcement.
01:24The council says the additional funding has also supported the recruitment of 62 enforcement officers.
01:2962 degrees above a number of cases.
01:2961 degrees above sea.
