NI council suspends parking charges

It is a decision, taken under the power of delegated authority by Council’s Cheif Executive, Roger Wilson, that is expected to cost Council around £250,000.

Speaking after it was confirmed, the Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Councillor Kevin Savage said: “Suspending car parking charges in support of our residents and businesses has been an important aspect of our strategy to help ‘Boost our Borough’.

“While we cannot suspend charges indefinitely, we will continue to offer free parking in Council run car parks until September 1.

“This will be a welcome boost for local business owners who are trying to recover their client base, during particularly challenging economic times and as a Council we want to offer our full support through this free parking initiative.”

DUP Councillor Darryn Causby said he was delighted Council has been able to go above and beyond what the Chamber of Commerce had hoped for with this initiative.

“The Chamber of Commerce had been hopeful we would offer free parking until the end of July but this move will ensure that traders have the best opportunity to get back on their feet,” said the DUP group whip.

“The proposal was first raised in the COVID working group and then, in the Resources/Recovery working group meeting on Tuesday evening, members reiterated their desire to see this happen as soon as possible.

“This resulted in the Chief Executive using his delegated powers of authority to ensure people can avail of this without further delay.

“Our clear message now is that people should avail of this and support businesses in their town centres. Many of these businesses have supported major community efforts in terms of bringing relief to the vulnerable throughout this crisis.”

SDLP Councillor Joe Nelson also welcomed the proposal.

“It is a welcome development to try and boost our town centres for businesses. Personally, I am sure it is a move that will be very welcome in Lurgan,” he said.

Alliance Party group leader, Councillor Eoin Tennyson said he hoped this measure will go some way to tempting people back to the borough’s high streets.

“Coronavirus has had an unprecedented impact, with our local businesses experiencing devastating and long-lasting consequences,” said Cllr Tennyson.

“The suspension of off-street car parking charges for an additional two months is just one of a series of measures introduced in a bid to support them, following the launch of our ‘shop local’ campaign last month.

“I hope these interventions will go some way to encourage footfall back into our towns as lockdown eases. I would encourage everyone in our borough to stay local and shop local as much as possible to support our local and independent retailers.”

Sinn Fein Councillor Garath Keating also welcomed the announcement saying it is “vitally important that Council does all it can to facilitate the return to people to shops and businesses in local towns”.

While welcoming the move, the Ulster Unionist Party has warned that “hard decisions will be coming down the line” as Council faces up to costs of the pandemic.

Ulster Unionist Councillor Sam Nicholson also expressed concern that despite the best intentions, this scheme may be taken advantage of by those who commute from the borough’s towns to their place of work.

“I have been made aware that the current free parking which is available in our towns and city is being used as a type of park and ride facility,” said Cllr Nicholson.

“All our traders want to let the public know that our city and towns are very much open for business, to welcome shoppers and provide the best retail experience for them.

“Therefore I would urge everyone to help us by being more considerate in their use of the available car parking spaces within our city and towns”.