Liverpool parking charge rise defended by council leader

Liverpool Council leader Liam Robinson has defended a second parking charge increase in 12 months, rejecting claims that fees and fines are a "cash cow" for the city. The new rates include a 10p rise for a 30-minute city centre stay to £2.40, and a two-hour stay now costing £6.80. Robinson said revenue must be reinvested in parking enforcement, citing strict spending rules and noting charges had not been reviewed for 30 years. Businesses, including chef Paul Askew, have warned the hikes hurt trade, calling it "another death knell for hospitality." Robinson added that increased enforcement has already issued over 500 tickets in one weekend operation targeting taxi rank parking.