Posted on the 4th February 2026 in PHTM News

WIRRAL CABBIE SLAMS UNJUST FINE AFTER DROPPING DISABLED PASSENGER IN PEDESTRIAN ZONE

A taxi driver is facing a potential £500 penalty after being ticketed for entering a restricted pedestrianised street to drop off a passenger with a disability.

Darren Magee, 55, was issued a fixed penalty notice by Merseyside Police on Bebington Road in New Ferry, a section of road that has been pedestrianised for over 30 years.

Mr. Magee has challenged the fine, arguing that the signage was not visible and that his passenger’s needs should have taken precedence, asking: "It's unjust. I was dropping a disabled passenger off; surely there's some kind of leniency for loading and unloading when they have a blue badge?"

The incident occurred during a police crackdown initiated after local residents and businesses complained about vehicles flouting traffic regulations. Current restrictions on the one-way stretch only permit loading for local businesses during specific early morning and late afternoon windows.

While Mr. Magee was issued an initial £50 fine, he expressed fear that an unsuccessful appeal could see the cost spiral, as the offence carries a maximum penalty of £500.

Merseyside Police defended the enforcement, noting that the driver entered the prohibited area at 11:42 am, outside of any permitted loading times.

The force maintained that while the officer allowed the drop-off to proceed as the vehicle was already in the street, there are “a number of suitable accessible drop-off points close by that motorists can use which are a short distance from shops.” 

The operation followed reports of dangerous driving in the area, with police insisting that the rules remain in place to protect the public.


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