Minister committed to parking which “supports local businesses, reduces congestion and improves the experience for everyone travelling to shop and socialise on the high street”
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has committed to backing city centres through a more adaptable approach to parking management within Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) throughout NI.
The Minister made the announcement 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.”
The three CPZs were established in Belfast, Lisburn and Newry following requests from the respective local Councils to the Department, designed to help tackle persistent parking and congestion issues in their city centres.
Lisburn’s CPZ encompasses approximately 240 charged on-street parking spaces. Belfast operates around 1,400 charged on-street parking spaces, whilst Newry has roughly 440.
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