Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimms has pledged support for city
centres with a flexible approach to parking management within the
Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) across the north.
The Minister was speaking during an Adjournment Debate in the
Assembly this week.
Minister Kimmins 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.”
Notes to editors:
- The three controlled parking zones were introduced in
Belfast, Lisburn and Newry following representations made to the
Department by the respective local Councils, aimed at helping
them resolve longstanding parking and congestion problems within
their city centres.
- The Lisburn CPZ covers around 240 charged on-street parking
spaces. Belfast has around 1,400 charged on-street parking
spaces whilst Newry has around 440.
