At least no cabs damaged, but of course it might be a different story if they were unoccupied
Taxi drivers causing 'nuisance' near Liverpool John Lennon Airport
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Extra police patrols have been requested in the area
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Image: Liverpool Echo
Some taxi drivers are "causing a nuisance" to residents on a busy Liverpool street. Hale Road in Speke is minutes away from Liverpool John Lennon Airport (JLA) and has become a hotspot in recent years for people looking to avoid paying the parking fees at the airport.
Residents say that black cabs and private hire vehicles have been using the road for this purpose, as well as regular drivers and holidaymakers. The issue has reached boiling point in the last few days as cars that appear to belong to holidaymakers have had their windows smashed and tyres slashed.
When the ECHO visited Hale Road yesterday, we spotted two cars, a white Hyundai and blue Volvo, which had been damaged. People living on the street said the cars had been parked there for several days and added they had spotted the damage on Saturday (September 27).
Michelle Ingram, the Neighbourhood Policing Inspector for Speke, has said the force is working closely with Liverpool City Council and the airport to address the situation. Extra patrols during the night have also been requested.
Ms Ingram said: “We are aware of vehicles being damaged in the area and the additional problems with some taxi drivers causing a nuisance to residents and the wider community.
“We have set up a working group with the airport and Liverpool City Council where we are looking at long-term problem solving and the implementation of traffic controlling measures in an effort to reduce the problems being caused to the community.
“We have also requested extra high visibility patrols to the area particularly during the night when there is an increase in issues.
“In addition, we have community surgeries regularly in the area to listen to the concerns of the local residents and would encourage anyone with questions to attend one of those surgeries.”
The express drop-off point at JLA is located directly opposite the terminal. It costs £6 to stay there for up to 10 minutes and £10 for 20 minutes.
Passengers with a valid Blue Badge can claim up to 40 minutes of free parking, while motorcycles can park free of charge in designated outdoor spaces.
When the ECHO approached JLA for a response, an airport spokesperson said: ”We are looking at ways to try to deter passengers from being dropped off and picked up on roads close to the airport, which is also causing disruption and is a nuisance for local residents at all hours of the day and night.”
One resident said: “It happens all the time. You get people dropping off and picking up all hours of the day and night. Doors slamming, beeping, things like that.
“We’ve had people park in front of our driveway in the past so you can’t get out. Now we tend to park the car on the road instead. Sometimes they say, ‘we’ll only be 20 minutes’ but that’s still a problem.
“My wife’s just gone to pick up my son from school because he’s not well. We would have been stuck if a car had been parked there.
“People have been talking [about the smashed windows] on the local Facebook group. Some have said, ‘you’ve got to respect other people’s property’.
“But where’s the respect for my property when they park in front of it?
“I understand people want to save money, but you’re spending £300 on a holiday and want to save £6 on parking? Plus, if you park in one of the official car parks it’s a secure site.”
There is also a bus route off Hale Road which takes passengers directly into the airport, which the man said many people aren’t aware of.
Another resident also voiced his frustrations, adding: “Whether they’ve been targeted because they’ve parked for the airport or not, I don’t know.
“The blue car has been there for weeks and I saw the damage on Saturday. I don’t agree with people using the road for parking but I don’t agree with that either. It’s not just this road either - there’s damage to cars in other parts too.”
Liverpool City Council told the ECHO in August 2022 it would arrange a visit with Merseyside Police to the road to determine whether highways improvements were needed and the last three years of collision data for the area would also be reviewed.
The ECHO has approached the council for an update on its response to the situation.
Anyone with information about the criminal damage can contact the Merseyside Police social media desk @MerPolCC on X and Facebook. You can also report information via its website or by calling 101.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via the website here.
