Kimmins pledges a flexible parking approach to support city centre trading
Date published:
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has pledged support for city centres with a flexible approach to parking management within the Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) across the north.
The Minister was speaking during an Adjournment Debate in the Assembly this week.
Minister Kimmins said:
“My Department manages parking in the Controlled Parking Zones in Belfast, Lisburn and Newry to create a balanced traffic management system that supports local businesses, reduces congestion and improves the experience for everyone travelling to shop and socialise on the high street.
“However, since CPZs were introduced, much has changed for local traders, who find themselves competing with out-of-town shopping centres and online shopping and many see parking restrictions as a barrier to encouraging more people shopping on the high street.
“I have asked my officials to look at options to provide greater flexibility in controlled parking zones to support high street shopping and hospitality particularly during the festive season.”
Notes to editors:
- The three controlled parking zones were introduced in Belfast, Lisburn and Newry following representations made to the Department by the respective local Councils, aimed at helping them resolve longstanding parking and congestion problems within their city centres.
- The Lisburn CPZ covers around 240 charged on-street parking spaces. Belfast has around 1,400 charged on-street parking spaces whilst Newry has around 440.
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