Demand for end to pay and display

Speaking at this week’s meeting of the Council’s Planning Committee, Councillor Ronnie Crawford has called on the Minister to change two car parks in Chapel Hill and another at Linenhall Street from pay and display to pay on exit.

Mr Crawford said the pay and display systems was adversely impacting on local shoppers, who were being forced to rush back to their cars in order to avoid getting a parking ticket.

“Customers should determine how long they spend shopping, not the Department of Regional Development,” said Mr Crawford. “I think traders would welcome this.

“The car parks used to be pay on exit and I see no reason why it shouldn’t be like that.”

Alderman Paul Porter supported Mr Crawford’s proposal and added that the council should demand a meeting with the Roads Minister to address the issue.

“We should demand a meeting so that the Minister can see the difficulties shoppers and businesses are having in Lisburn,” said Mr Porter. “We should invite him to the city to see if we can change his mind on the issue.”

Lisburn’s Deputy Mayor, Councillor Andrew Ewing, added: “There is terrible pressure on shoppers to get back to their car before they get a ticket.

“This is hitting trade and something needs to be done about it.”