PLANS to expand car parking facilities at St Helens Junction are being drawn up amidst frustration over increasing traffic congestion at the train station.

The Star reported in September 2015, when rail users and residents launched a campaign over lack of car parking availability at the station in Sutton.

A petition had been launched by people who said they suffer because a lack of parking spaces in the mornings leads to inconsiderate parking by commuters on nearby roads.

Following the protests, Merseytravel said it was working with operator Northern Rail on developing a scheme to expand the car park by around 180 spaces.

However, campaigners say congestion has got worse at the station and have felt frustrated at a lack of progress on plans to improve the car park.

Sutton Leach resident David Barrow-Yates, who launched the initial petition, said: “Things are worse than when I started doing leafleting and cars are parked right down the road. If you come into Junction and turn right you can’t see for the cars.

“You can fit cars on the car park but never on the marked bays. I’ve noticed people are parking on the kerbs.”

David, 46, added: “There is lots of space at the station for more cars, it definitely needs something doing. There are a lot of people affected by it.” 

In response, a Merseytravel spokesperson said: “We are currently progressing with the detailed design with Northern for an improved car parking facility at St Helens Junction station, which would offer better provision for rail users.

"This is expected to be completed in the next few months. An application has been made for STEP funding for the scheme and we are currently awaiting a response on this.”