Parking pilot scheme is ‘a victory for common sense’
A decision by Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins to support city centres with a flexible approach to parking management has been welcomed as “a victory for common sense” by Lagan Valley MLA Robbie Butler.
Speaking at Stormont during an adjournment debate by Mr Butler, the Infrastructure Minister said: ““My Department manages parking in the Controlled Parking Zones in Belfast, Lisburn and Newry to create a balanced traffic management system that supports local businesses, reduces congestion and improves the experience for everyone travelling to shop and socialise on the high street.
“However, since CPZs were introduced, much has changed for local traders, who find themselves competing with out-of-town shopping centres and online shopping and many see parking restrictions as a barrier to encouraging more people shopping on the high street.
“I have asked my officials to look at options to provide greater flexibility in controlled parking zones to support high street shopping and hospitality particularly during the festive season.”
Welcoming the commitment, Mr Butler said a “victory for common sense has been secured for Lisburn as the Department for Infrastructure agreed to develop a festive pilot scheme for free on-street parking in our City centre”.
Mr Butler , who has campaigned on this issue for over a decade, continued: “Addressing parking issues, and particularly the unfair burden of on-street parking charges, has been a priority of mine since my time on Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council.
"Back then, some political parties blocked even the simple idea of free December parking for shoppers. I’m glad those same voices have finally come to their senses and listened to the retailers who have been sounding the alarm for years.
“My adjournment debate secured the Minister’s commitment to a pilot project for both Lisburn and Newry.
"While it’s only a small part of the wider work needed to revitalise our High Street, it is a vital first step.
"A free first hour during the festive period will help level the playing field with out-of-town shopping centres and give shoppers another reason to choose Lisburn.”
Lagan Valley MLA David Honeyford, who recently launched a survey seeking people’s opinions on parking in Lisburn city centre, also spoke during the debate.
He said: “Parking might seem like a small issue on the surface, but in Lisburn it’s tied very closely to the life of our city centre, how people use it, and whether businesses thrive or survive.
“In my discussions around the city centre, parking is something that is raised time and time again.
“At the moment it’s £1 an hour to park on the street. We asked what people thought of that. Two-thirds — 67% — said it’s not good value.
“People feel they’re being charged for simply trying to keep their local city centre alive.
“They pointed out that other nearby towns have cheaper or even free parking, and they’re seeing footfall flow there instead.
"We all know what happens when footfall moves — business moves too.
“We’re asking the Department to review the on-street parking approach in Lisburn, with the aim of introducing two hours free parking, or at the very least extending the maximum stay to two hours, and ensuring enforcement supports the town, instead of pushing people away from it.”