Parking scheme permanent

The ‘£1 for five hours’ scheme, which was first introduced by the DRD, will be retained. The Lurgan car parks which operate under this scheme are Castle Lane, Waring Street 3, and Moores Lane 2.

The creation of ‘super councils’ in the recent local government reform saw a number of responsibilities and services being shared or adopted. Prior to April 2015, the DRD held responsibility for off-street car parks but Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council has taken ownership of the town’s car parks and is now responsible for setting tariffs as well as the upkeep of the areas.

A statement from the ABC Council explained the tariffs, “The £1 for five hours had been introduced by the Minister for Regional Development as a pilot scheme and council will be giving consideration to publishing an administrative order to formally notify the public of its intentions.

“Users of the car parks are asked to note that, unless payment is made for the five hours, the normal car park tariff of 30p per three hours or 40p per hour - depending on the car park - will be charged.”

Customers using these off-street car parks are advised that, while paying £1 ensures their car is legally parked for up to five hours, it is not possible to park for any length of time which exceeds those five hours.