Freeze on car park charges

The Minister said: “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.”

The proposed increases in off-street parking were for Abbey St and Mall car parks but these will now not be taken forward.

The Minister also committed to ensuring that there will be some free parking for motorists in most towns. Within the Coleraine town area there are over 160 free car parking places available at Millburn Road and Terrace Row car parks.

The Minister concluded: “This is excellent news for all those wishing to use Coleraine town centre this Christmas but please do make sure that you park properly and safely for the benefit of everyone.”