Transport plans for Everton’s new stadium have been met with backlash.
Liverpool City Council announced a new football matchday parking zone area on Thursday that will enforce restrictions around Bramley-Moore Dock.
The zone will take effect from the start of next season, when the Toffees move into their 52,888-seat venue and cover areas within a 30-minute walk.
More than 4,000 residents and 3,000 businesses in the area are being invited to apply for permits as part of an Experimental Traffic Road Order (ETRO).
However the move has faced opposition from those stakeholders ahead of the stadium hosting its first test event for supporters later this month.
An expansion of Sandhills train station have also been met with criticism after they were revealed by Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram on Thursday afternoon.
Mayor Rotheram posted a video on his social media channels of a recent visit to the Merseyrail station to examine upgrades to the ‘fan zone’ area.
But Everton fans lamented the combined authority leader’s billing of the works, which largely showed an expanded waiting area with crowd barriers.
A spokesperson for the Mayor insisted that the works at Sandhills are simply the first phase of improvements to the ‘fan zone’ rather than an end product.
They said: “The new queueing system at Sandhills station is designed to avoid dangerous overcrowding on the platform, making sure fans can travel to and from large events at Everton’s new home safely and efficiently.
“We know how important matchdays are, and our priority is ensuring a smooth and safe experience for supporters.
“The system we’ve put in place is similar to the tried-and-tested arrangements at Aintree and has been designed to avoid congestion and confusion, making it clear where fans need to go.
“But what’s been shown so far is only the beginning. Over the coming months, we’ll be transforming this space into a welcoming and vibrant fan zone for Blues and visitors alike.
“Plans include adding toilets, a fixed stage, food and refreshment areas, and digital screens to enhance the matchday experience.
“This is about getting everything in place ahead of the 2025/26 season, with the first test event scheduled for 17th February.
“We’ll keep fans fully updated as the work progresses because this is about making sure Evertonians have the best possible matchday experience at Bramley-Moore.”