Improve signage call at Moore’s Lane as drivers complain of fines

THE long running Moore’s Lane car parking issue rumbled on this week with the DUP asking for all fines handed out since the row began to be rescinded.

Drivers have complained that signage at the car park is “inadequate” with many receiving a fine for failing to ‘pay and display’ at the Lurgan car park which had been free until recently.

Helen Scott is just one of the many people issued with a ticket hoping her appeal will be successful.

“I was not aware of the new charges nor did I see the sign,” said Ms Scott. “I had parked to go to one of the shops nearby to buy a new school uniform. I was shocked to find a ticket when I returned. The traffic warden was still there and when I asked him about it he told me I had the right to make an appeal.

“I think it is ridiculous to start charging for these car parks - it is not doing the shops any good at all. It will be an expensive uniform if I don’t win my appeal.”

The development comes as the Mayor of Craigavon, Carla Lockhart, revealed one business close by had a suffered a drop in profits since the parking charges introduced.

“The car park was so handy for people dropping in for short visits, especially with lawn mowers needing repairs, but now that trade will drop.

“It makes sense to make the first hour free to try and help local business as much as we can especially in these difficult trading times. This issue really can’t drag on and on.”

Party colleague Alderman Stephen Moutray claimed that Department of Regional Minister, Danny Kennedy, had ‘admitted’ the signage at Moore’s Lane was ‘insufficient’.

“We are aware from a recent meeting with the Minister at Marlborough House that an acknowledgement was made that the signage was insufficient within the car park alerting people to the fact that it is now a pay and display park. I am calling on the Minister to reimburse all tickets that have been issued since the change.

Mr Moutray is also lobbying to make the first hour of parking free. A call which is backed by the Chamber of Commerce and Lurgan Forward.

“Allowing people to park for the first hour free. This would greatly assist the businesses who have been extremely badly affected both financially and in footfall since this ridiculous change in rules for this car park. By allowing the first hour free it would enable people to carry out their business in the local shops but would also do away with all-day parkers.”

Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy said: “I met with a delegation of UUP MLAs, Councillors and local traders on 1 August to discuss parking issues in Lurgan. Traders raised concerns about awareness of the change from free to paid parking at Moore’s Lane 2 car park in Lurgan. I agreed to address the issue and Roads Service re-introduced additional temporary signs on August 10, to advise drivers of the need to pay for parking. Roads Service will review the long-term need for additional signage in this car park.”

The Minister continued: “This car park was one of a number of car parks across Northern Ireland that went from free to fee paying in July. The local newspapers received details of the changes, signs were erected at strategic points in the car park and letters were also placed on the car windscreens in the car park in advance of the start date, on July 4. Traffic Attendants were on hand during the first week of operations to advise drivers of the change to paid parking and did not enforce payment until 16 July – giving drivers a significant grace period before enforcement.”

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