Visitors urged to plan journeys carefully on Grand National day

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 4pm
• Liverpool FC v Fulham at Anfield at 5:30pm
• James and Go Your Own Way – a tribute to Fleetwood Mac at the M&S Bank Arena at 6.30pm

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. Staff will be positioned at key locations throughout the event to support passengers and help keep crowds moving.

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. 

Soccerbus operates from Sandhills station to Anfield stadium 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 Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, said: “Grand National weekend is always special in Liverpool as thousands of people visit the city to enjoy the world’s greatest steeplechase, providing a huge boost for the city region economy.

“We are very used to dealing with major events in Liverpool and lots of planning has taken place, but we want people to be prepared, allow extra time for their journeys, and use public transport where possible.

“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: “As with all big events, we carry out extensive planning alongside all partner organisations in the run up, to ensure everyone who attends the Grand National has a great time, stays safe, and it is memorable for all the right reasons.

“Saturday’s event also falls on the same day as Liverpool’s home match against Fulham and we are joining partners in urging people to plan their journey carefully and allow extra time.

“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.
 
“Those who do travel by car to Aintree are advised to car share where possible or get a friend or relative to drop them within a walkable distance from the course, and leave plenty of time to get into the event for the start of the racing programme each day.
 
“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.
 
“Aintree railway station is one minute walk from the main entrance to the racecourse. Regular trains will be running on all three days to and from Liverpool and from Ormskirk. Racegoers are advised to check travel details before they leave home.”

A Liverpool City Region Combined Authority spokesperson said: “The Grand National Festival is always one of the biggest events in our calendar, attracting visitors from across the world, and we want everyone to travel with confidence to make sure they don’t miss starter’s orders.

“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. By following our advice, you’ll be getting your day off to a winning start before the first race is even underway.”

Peter Moore, Sefton Council’s Assistant Director for Highways & Public Protection, said: “We want everyone to have a fantastic weekend in Sefton and across the Liverpool City Region in what will be a busy three days for the transport network.

“Where possible those travelling to and from the Aintree Grand National Festival should make use of the excellent public transport facilities on offer including regular bus and train services which alight exceptionally close to the racecourse.

“Of course, we know it is not just festival goers who will be reliant on the transport network that weekend. 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. We continue to work with partners across a number of agencies and authorities to ensure the weekend goes smoothly and everyone gets to where they need to be as quickly as they can and as safely as they can.”