Minister Announces Free On-Street Parking For Christmas

Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy today announced there will be free on-street car parking in parts of Belfast City Centre in the run up to Christmas.

The Minister said: “This will be a welcome boost to shoppers and traders in Belfast city centre and I hope it will help to ensure a successful Christmas for the City.

“From Monday 23 November to Saturday 26 December at 4.30pm each day, my Department will be suspending its enforcement operations, allowing free parking in streets at the back of the City Hall, where on-street parking charges currently apply. The streets involved are Bedford Street, Linenhall Street, Adelaide Street, Alfred Street, Ormeau Avenue, Franklin Street, Clarence Street and Linenhall Street West.

“The enforcement of normal waiting restrictions will, of course, continue to ensure that illegal parking does not impact on traffic flow or road safety.”

There are some 330 charged on-street parking spaces in this area.

Welcoming the Minister’s announcement, John Moore, President of Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said: "The retail sector is one of the stalwarts of the economy here and despite the downturn continues to be one of the region's major employers. For many retailers the festive season is the most important time of year, and providing this free parking is crucial in our efforts to attract shoppers to the city centre in the run up to Christmas.

"I congratulate the Minister on taking this action which will be a considerable boost to Belfast at a time when our retailers, and local businesses, need all the support they can get from government as they fight the ongoing economic downturn. This initiative will encourage other car parking providers to provide reduced prices for consumers, and we hope to announce more parking deals in the near future. "

Notes to editors:

1. All media queries to Emma Flynn Davies, Department for Regional Development Press Office, 028 9054 0372. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.