Author: Bridie Finnan

For many, summer usually means family holidays but COVID-19 has complicated things this year.

With staycation becoming the norm, more and more people are heading out on day trips or mini UK breaks.

But we all must still remember to follow the guidelines, we know that outdoors is generally safer than indoors, social distancing is key, cleaning and sanitising hands can mitigate risk and we must be wearing masks when we’re on public transport or in shops and visitor attractions.

It’s also key to think ahead and plan your journey, as we know the good weather sees more people heading to the beauty spots around the borough, but this can also lead to increased traffic, parking nightmares and long delays for everyone.

So, if you’re intending to visit the areas, then please check your local radio stations for traffic updates and follow Sefton Council’s social media channels for status of local car parks and traffic alerts.

So why not think about alternative ways to get here? 

We have an excellent rail service along the Sefton Coast. The Merseyrail northern line runs every 15 minutes in both directions between Liverpool and Southport and with many of our visitor attractions within a short walk away, it couldn’t be easier.

But remember when travelling on public transport too:

• keep a safe distance from your fellow passengers on train services – your personal space has never been more important.
• don’t leave home without your face masks – as they are now mandatory at stations and on public transport – and dispose of it correctly in a bin.
• don’t carry open bottles of alcohol on trains or at stations – remember the Merseyrail network is an alcohol-free zone.
• respect rail staff and other passengers. We won’t tolerate anti-social behaviour of any kind. Just text 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40 if you need help or you see something that needs reporting.

Sefton is also served by several bus service providers, from Merseytravel, Arriva and Stagecoach, so why not give the bus a try! But don’t forget your face mask.

If you prefer hopping on your bike, there are plenty of different cycle routes with varying difficulty ratings and distances, where you can expect to see different things such as the Natterjack Toad to the famous Red Squirrel at Formby.

If you don’t want to travel with your bikes, you can hire them at both the Eco Visitor Centre and Southport Train Station.

Don’t forget that on the Merseyrail network you can take your bike along for free, without pre-booking, making your journey choice even easier. As lots of these cycling routes can be accessed from railway stations too.

Peter Moore, Head of Highways & Public Protection said: “With the easing of lockdown restrictions, we have seen more vehicles returning to our roads.

“We want to remind everyone to plan their journey or to think about whether you even need to make your journey by car, as there are many different ways to get to our visitor attractions.

“But, if you do need to drive, drive safely and consider other road users and local residents.

“There are more walkers and cyclists around and we’re trying to improve road space to support people who are choosing active travel on their return to work as well as for daily exercise.”

For walking and cycling routes and guide visit, activetravelsefton.co.uk/ or for public transport information visit, www.merseytravel.gov.uk/