Residents of Bailey Street in Liverpool have defended their unusual practice of parking entirely on the pavement outside their homes, claiming traffic wardens told them it was acceptable. The tiny residential road in the city centre sparked controversy after images of cars with all four wheels mounted on the pavement were shared online.
The motorists insist local officials have given them permission for the practice. One resident said: "The traffic wardens say it is ok. There are lots of people here who work in Nelson Street. This is why we can put our cars here. Traffic wardens come here but they don't have a problem."
Online outrage emerges
The parking practice caused widespread criticism on social media platform Reddit, with users expressing shock at the blocked pavements. One commenter said: "Because god forbid they have to walk a few extra feet just so that disabled people can freely get around."
Another questioned how residents access their own front doors after parking: "I'm curious to know, if the cars really are completely blocking the front doors, how these folk get into their own houses after they've parked up." A third user added: "My heart sinks a little every time I see a pensioner with a walker having to take their time on the side of the road because of how common this is."
Residents stand firm
Local residents maintain they have encountered no problems with their parking method. One resident who has lived on Bailey Street for several months said: "No one has told us it's wrong. Traffic wardens come here all the time and no one has said anything."
Manchester Evening News reports that many Bailey Street residents work in nearby Nelson Street, which forms the heart of Liverpool's Chinatown district. Cars are parked both on the pavement and behind yellow lines, with one resident displaying a permit on their dashboard while defending the practice.
Council investigation
Liverpool Council representatives have confirmed they are aware of the situation on Bailey Street and are investigating the parking arrangements. The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between resident convenience and pedestrian accessibility rights in urban areas.
Sources used: "PA Media", "Liverpool ECHO", "Mirror", "Manchester Evening News" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
