Freeze on car parking charges

The proposed increases in off-street parking were for Antrim Sreet, Barrack Street, Governor’s Road, Laganbank Road, Queen’s Road and Smithfield Square car parks but these will now not be taken forward.

There will also be no increase in on-street parking charges.

The Minister also committed to ensuring that there will be some free parking for motorists in most towns. Within the Lisburn City area there are over 200 free car parking places available at Benson Street, Quay Street, Smithfield Road Roundabout and Union Bridge car parks.

In Hillsborough, the proposed increases in off-street parking were for Ballynahinch Street car park but this is frozen until at least 2015.

Announcing the charge freeze, the Minister said: “My officials and I have been working hard to gain agreement for the freeze on car parking charges in this budget period and I am pleased that the Executive has come to an agreement on this issue. 
“This is exactly the sort of mechanism we need to give a confidence boost to traders and those who shop and work in our towns and cities and it illustrates that elected representatives can deliver positively for our own people. 
“I believe that this will be warmly welcomed by shoppers and traders in town centres and it comes at an opportune time in the run up to Christmas.”

Mr Kennedy added: “This is excellent news for all those wishing to use Lisburn City centre this Christmas but please do make sure that you park properly and safely for the benefit of everyone.”

Welcoming the announcement, Belinda O’Neill from the Lisburn Chamber of Commerce said: “The Lisburn Chamber of Commerce welcomes any initiative that will allow greater flexibility for our local community to shop on their doorstep and which encourages others to come along and sample the full shopping experience that Lisburn offers.”