Unacceptable Behavior: Fueling a Culture of Disregard

One of Liverpool’s most bustling thoroughfares remains fraught with hazardous and self-centred parking issues—with one specific section being particularly highlighted.

The ECHO has often covered the topic of pavement parking, particularly focusing on Victoria Street city centre identified as a key issue zone for this kind of parking. However, there is one section of the bustling road where the problem seems to occur most frequently.

Latest pictures reveal several luxury cars parked entirely on the sidewalk near the Zenn Restaurant and Bar. Interestingly, this spot is quite close to a multistory parking garage.

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A disgruntled reader who submitted pictures to the ECHO commented: "Victoria Street is among the most bustling thoroughfares in Liverpool city centre —a vital route used by locals, employees, tourists, and at-risk walkers such as older individuals, those with disabilities, caregivers with pushchairs, and youngsters.

It is entirely unacceptable for this crucial pedestrian pathway to be consistently blocked, thereby pushing individuals onto the road and exposing them to significant danger.

The anonymous reader stated that this issue isn’t ‘isolated or sporadic’ but occurs regularly, especially during weekend evenings and late nights. They further commented: “Large and luxury cars often park completely on the sidewalk right outside Zenn.”

This turns a path that ought to be secure and easily navigable into an hazardous, confined, and untraversable area. There have been instances where it offered not even enough space for walkers to go through safely, practically pushing them towards the flowing vehicular traffic on one of Liverpool’s most bustling streets.

They included: "This endangers public safety and puts vulnerable pedestrians at risk. It impairs the walkability and accessibility of Liverpool’s downtown areas. This sends a negative message, weakening the city’s rules and governance. It fosters an environment where respect for public spaces and legal parking is ignored."

The irritated reader appealed to the proprietors of the venue to address the problem happening beyond their doors; however, the managers from Zenn stated that they possess minimal authority to resolve an issue which similarly brings them considerable annoyance.

A representative stated: "Regarding the matter of parking, this is an issue we have discussed with both Liverpool City Council and the Police on multiple occasions. Parking in this area greatly hinders our operations, making it particularly challenging to reach bins and similar areas.

As of March 2025, when Liverpool City Council implemented the new rules restricting free parking after 6 pm, the situation in this area has deteriorated significantly.

As we mentioned last year during the discussion of this Echo article back in October 2024, sadly our authority over the general public is limited solely to our official licensing responsibilities. This means that even though our security personnel have requested individuals refrain from parking in certain areas, these requests have often been disregarded, and we lack the power to forcibly remove them.

The representative further stated: “It’s important to mention that the streets and venues are under surveillance from city monitoring systems, with both Liverpool City Council and law enforcement having the authority to hand out fines as a preventative measure. Following the previous Echo report in October 2024, these measures were enforced for approximately one week; however, since then, no action has been taken nor any subsequent developments occurred.”

The reader of The ECHO who captured these images additionally urged other officials to take action. Liverpool Council To take action. They stated: "I implore the council, highway enforcers, and pertinent authorities to regard this as a critical public safety matter. Liverpool is a city that merits streets which are accessible, secure, and inviting for all."

Regarding pavement parking on Victoria Street lately, City Centre North Councillor Nick Small commented: "The state of parking in and around Victoria Street is appalling and ranks among the most problematic areas for illegal and self-centred parking within the city centre."

It’s terrible throughout the day, but particularly during the evening hours. Our sidewalks are meant for people walking, and as someone who lives, works, or frequents the downtown area, I’m tired of witnessing such scenes.

I appreciate the enhanced enforcement measures implemented by the council along with the hiring of additional wardens, all made possible by extending the controlled parking zone beyond 6 pm.

Councils beyond London require identical statutory authority to those within London so they can establish local solutions for addressing issues specific to their area according to their discretion.