Infrastructure Minister has delivered a festive boost
to Lisburn and Newry by introducing an hour's grace period for
people parking in the on-street parking spaces within the
Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs). This means people will have up
to one hour to return to their cars following the expiry of their
paid parking event without fear of receiving a parking ticket.
The initiative, which is being trialled in Lisburn and Newry over
the festive season, will begin on Saturday, 29 November 2025 and
run until 10 January 2026.
Minister Kimmins said: “I am well aware of the challenges
that shop owners and hospitality providers are experiencing, and
the need to encourage more people to visit and
spend time on the high street.
“Traders want people to be relaxed; they want them to
stop for a coffee. They want people to be looking at their window
displays and looking at what they have to offer on their shelves
– not looking at their watches in a panic to get back to their
car.
“I have examined all options available to me around
flexibility in controlled parking zones to support high street
shopping and hospitality, which is why I am pleased to introduce
this pilot initiative for Lisburn and Newry over the festive
season. This trial will help shape future
approaches to on-street parking, ensuring that they meet the
needs of local communities and businesses.
“Providing an hour's grace period for parking sessions
will give shoppers and traders a boost, offering greater
flexibility for visitors while balancing the need to maintain an
effective flow of traffic into these city centres during the
festive season.”
“I encourage all visitors to Lisburn and Newry to park
responsibly to ensure we have safer streets, better access for
disabled people, support for local business and a transport
system that works for everyone.”
Notes to editors:
- The Lisburn CPZ covers around 240 charged on-street parking
spaces whilst Newry has around 440.
