The Hill Dickinson Stadium Transport Working Group, chaired by Everton and bringing together representatives from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Liverpool City Council, Sefton Council, transport providers, and specialist consultants, met again on Monday to continue refining and improving matchday travel operations around the stadium.
The latest session followed a dedicated meeting with supporter groups, including the Fan Advisory Board, Fans’ Forum, Everton Disabled Supporters’ Association (EDSA), and the Supporters’ Club Committee. Fans shared feedback from recent fixtures ahead of the Fulham game, with several of their suggestions discussed in detail.
A number of operational trials were reviewed, including the post-match 20-minute traffic hold and temporary one-way systems on Boundary Street and Blackstone Street. Both measures, introduced to enhance pedestrian safety, have so far received positive feedback from supporters and transport operators alike.
Traffic flow on Great Howard Street and its impact on shuttle bus operations was also a key topic. While pre-match bus performance has been strong, operators continue to face challenges on return journeys. To address this, lane adjustments will be introduced from the Newcastle United fixture, including a revised northbound lane closure from the bus stop north of Paisley Street and a shortened southbound closure after the shuttle stops. These refinements are designed to improve overall traffic movement and reduce journey times between the stadium and the city centre.
Supporters travelling by car are strongly advised not to drive into the Great Howard Street or wider stadium area unless they have a pre-booked official parking space or accessibility needs. High volumes of vehicles continue to cause congestion and disrupt public transport operations. Parking restrictions are actively enforced across both residential and industrial areas, with fines issued to vehicles parked without valid permits or beyond permitted time limits.
Fans are encouraged to use city centre car parks, Bootle Strand, or rail stations and then travel to the stadium via shuttle bus, train, or on foot. Full travel guidance is available through the Everton Matchday Travel Hub.
To further ease congestion, partners discussed enhancing directional signage along the Liverpool Waterfront and Derby Road corridors, along with stronger guidance for non-matchday traffic to avoid Great Howard Street during event peaks. Electronic Variable Message Signs (VMS) across Liverpool and Sefton will also display advance matchday travel messages from one week before each fixture.
The group is exploring further improvements, including traffic signal optimisation and the potential introduction of yellow box junctions with camera enforcement at key points. Liverpool City Council will also begin enforcement action against unregulated car parks operating near the stadium, particularly those contributing to congestion on Great Howard Street.
Everton continues to offer over 100 official parking spaces in Nelson Dock for disabled supporters – one of the highest allocations in the Premier League. For safety reasons, there will be no post-match pedestrian access from Budweiser Plaza into Nelson Dock except for those returning to their vehicles. Supporters with pre-booked spaces should note that vehicle exit will be restricted for at least one hour after full-time, and blue badge holders are advised to arrive before the two-hour hard road closure begins.
The review of queuing safety for public transport users will continue, with improvements implemented wherever necessary. Fans have praised Merseyrail’s management at Sandhills Station, where around 10,000 supporters pass through each matchday with an average post-match wait of 18 minutes. Despite isolated issues during the Fulham game, additional measures are being introduced for the Newcastle fixture, and both Everton and Merseyrail are encouraging patience and respect while queuing.
All partners have agreed to develop a joint campaign promoting positive behaviour across the transport network, aiming to make Everton supporters a model for matchday travel conduct.
Liverpool City Council also confirmed that phase one of its enhanced street lighting programme – covering 11 streets between the city centre and Hill Dickinson Stadium – is now complete. Phase two, extending into the Ten Streets area, will be finalised by 18 November, further improving lighting for supporters attending the Newcastle fixture.
The Hill Dickinson Stadium Transport Working Group will continue to meet regularly with supporter representatives as the club’s matchday travel plan evolves and improves throughout the season.
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