With another warm weekend approaching, Sefton Council is reminding people visiting its coast to park considerately or face a fine.

Over the last weekend enforcement officers issued over 300 Penalty Charges to motorists across the Borough who had parked irresponsibly.

Dangerous and inconsiderate  

Motorists are reminded that parking in contravention of restrictions means they will receive a Penalty Charge Notice. Dangerous and inconsiderate parking can make access difficult for vital emergency services and cause a delay in response times.

Pavement parking, double parking, parking at dropped kerbs, or in the way of cycling lanes creates hazards for pedestrians and cyclists. Pavement parking can prevent pedestrians from getting through and force them onto the road.

Penalty Charges are there to enforce safety for vulnerable pedestrians, such as those with disabilities or with prams who are less likely to be able to squeeze through small gaps on the pavement left by irresponsible parking.

Formby beach car park closed

Those planning on visiting its beaches this summer are reminded that the National Trust Formby beach car park has closed until summer 2026 as part of a major conservation scheme.

You can find out about alternatives beaches to enjoy along the Sefton Coast here.

Visitors are encouraged to use public transport where possible. Merseyrail stations are within walking or cycling distance of Southport, Ainsdale, and Crosby beaches.

You can plan your Merseyrail journey here.

Beautiful coastline

Councillor Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council said:  “We want visitors to enjoy days out along our beautiful coastline, but we also want to make sure local residents aren’t inconvenienced or put at risk by people parking inconsiderately or dangerously

“Penalty Charge Notices are fines given to those parked inconsiderately and are there to enforce safety for others, especially our more vulnerable residents and visitors.

“We want to create a safe environment for all and our enforcement officers will be out this weekend to ensure that motorists park responsibly and observe any parking restrictions that may be in place.”

Warning

People are advised that Sefton Council will not make contact through text message to request payment for unpaid parking notices.

The quickest way to pay is with a debit or credit card using our secure online payment system.

There have been recent examples of people receiving scam text messages about payment of fines and stickers with

Also, fake QR codes have been found on some Sefton parking ticket machines leading people to pay for their parking with 'PayByPhone'

Seton Council does not take payments via QR codes or via PayByPhone.

​​When paying by phone for your parking, Sefton Council only uses 'RingGo' for this service.