Liverpool and Sefton are gearing up for a busy Grand National weekend, and people are being urged to plan their journey with care and allow more time to get in and out of the city due to other events also taking place.
Large numbers of people will be in the city region on Saturday, 11 April for the Randox Grand National at Aintree racecourse at 4 pm, Liverpool FC v Fulham at Anfield at 5:30 pm, and James and Go Your Own Way, a tribute to Fleetwood Mac at the M&S Bank Arena at 6.30 pm.
Attendees are urged to give themselves plenty of time, plan ahead, and make use of the extensive public transport network.
Extra rail and bus services will be in place to help ensure smooth, reliable journeys to and from Aintree.
New Ticketing and Transport Links
This year will also be the first time that festival‑goers can use the new Tap & Go smart ticketing system across the Merseyrail network, offering a simple tap‑in, tap‑out option for anyone travelling with a contactless card or device.
For football fans, Soccerbus operates from Sandhills station to Anfield for 3 hours prior to each game.
Return buses to Sandhills station operate for 90 minutes after the final whistle, subject to availability.
Liverpool City and Sefton Council Advice
Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, said:
“We have worked closely with football authorities to ensure that the kick off time for the Liverpool FC versus Fulham match does not take place at the same time as racegoers are heading to and from Aintree, but nevertheless we are expecting the city’s roads and public transport networks to be extremely busy.”
Merseyside Police Chief Inspector Kev Chatterton said:
“The force has been working closely with our partners to make sure people are aware of their travel options and the restrictions on parking around the racecourse and Anfield.
“During the day, roads around the racecourse can become congested and some are closed to traffic.
“Parking facilities close to the course are severely limited and there is an extensive ‘No Waiting’ area around it.
“Traffic will be strictly controlled, and enforcement carried out in line with the security operation and considering the needs of local residents in the surrounding streets.”
A Liverpool City Region Combined Authority spokesperson said:
“With extra staff, enhanced services and the new Tap & Go system now available, it’s never been easier for people to get to Aintree safely and conveniently.
“We encourage everyone to plan ahead, leave plenty of time and enjoy their day.”
Peter Moore, Sefton Council’s Assistant Director for Highways & Public Protection, said:
“Thousands of residents will be going about their daily business and are likely to face disruption due to heightened traffic levels and necessary road closures.
“Furthermore, on the evening of Saturday, April 11, Liverpool FC will be playing at Anfield at the same time as a concert at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool and we know both events are likely to draw huge crowds.
“It is fantastic to see the Liverpool City Region so popular, but we have to be aware of the demand on our transport network.”
