Increase will see 60 civil enforcement officers taking to the streets and a new team of five permit officers who will be hired to tackle the misuse of the Blue Badge disabled parking scheme. Tony McDonough reports

A major clampdown on illegal parking and Blue Badge abuse in Liverpool will see a 40% increase in civil enforcement officers taking their total number to 60.

The city council is also increasing the number of ar park attendants from 8 to 12, following a review of parking operations.

Joining these recruits will be a new team of five permit officers who will be hired to specifically tackle the fraudulent misuse of the Blue Badge disabled parking scheme and illegal selling of residential permits.

The review has been prompted by an increase in the number of residents parking zones, particularly around the city’s two football clubs, and the continuing growth of the city centre which has meant an increasing demand for parking enforcement.

There’s also been a rise in complaints from residents, businesses and tourists on inconsiderate and dangerous pavement parking and the city council is looking to introduce an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order later in the year to enact enforcement powers in specific streets.

With major regenerations schemes, such as the new cruise terminal, set to further fuel the rising demand for parking in and around the city centre, the city council is also in the process of creating 6,000 new off street spaces over the next five years – with its newest car park on Victoria Street to open next month.

Councillor Steve Munby, Cabinet Member for Highways and Neighbourhoods, said: “Pavement parking is a growing menace and such is the danger this is causing to pedestrians and other motorists we are looking to use all the necessary measures at our disposal to stamp this selfish practice out.

“We are also looking at expanding the number of permit zones which in turn means we need more officers to police pavement parking and residential parking zones effectively.”