A “festive boost” has been delivered to Newry by way of an “hour’s grace period” for on-street parking.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins delivered the boost to Lisburn and Newry’s 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 November 29, 2025 and run until January 10, 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.”
SDLP MLA for Newry and Armagh, Justin McNulty had previously expressed a keen interest in having this grace period introduced as well as additional measures to combat shoppers’ parking woes in the city.
Speaking on the introduction of the measure, the MLA said: “I, and all motorists, warmly welcome a one hour-grace period.”
And while welcoming of the positive step, he added: “We know this is a temporary fix to the parking issues at hand and hope that it will be followed up with permanent solutions. This proposal may create confusion, so it’s imperative that the Minister communicates with clarity what it entails.”
