Confusion over parking restrictions

Last August the Roads Service revealed it would carry out a review of parking and waiting times in Hillsborough village.

Parking has always proved to be a contentious issue in the popular village and the review was aimed at addressing some of those concerns.

However some people assumed this meant a decision to extend the parking restriction had been made. However, DRD is still considering the changes.

Councillor Luke Poots who was contacted by local people concerned by the extension not taking place said: “Business owners were excited when this issue came back to council in August, approved by DRD, to increase the parking by an hour and it got full support from the council.

“Since then I have had several residents complain to me that the traffic wardens have not adhered to this and claim they know nothing about the change.”

Mr Poots continued: “I have asked that the planning committee write to DRD asking them to resolve the problem and give an explanation as to why the decision has not been implemented yet.”

He added: “The increase of an hour within Main Street, Lisburn Street and Ballynahinch Street will mean people can stay longer in restaurants, coffee shops etc.

“Also those visiting the area will be able to take more time around Hillsborough, whether it be in the shops or enjoying the beautiful scenery,” he said.

In a letter to Lisburn City Council last year, the Roads Service traffic manager said: “Roads Service has been asked to increase the time limit on parking within the Hillsborough village in order to facilitate, for example, a long stay in a restaurant.

“The current limited waiting is one hour and no return within one hour in the areas of Main Street, Lisburn Street and Ballynahinch Street.

“We would propose to increase the limited waiting time to two hours with no return within one hour,” he concluded.

A DRD spokesperson said: “The Department is considering changing the time limit on parking restriction in Hillsborough village.

“Over the next few weeks the Department will be sending letters to residents and business owners who would be directly affected by the change.

“The aim of this is to provide stakeholders with an opportunity to comment on the proposal.

“After this, the Department will place advertisements in the local press inviting wider comment.”