Menu
14/10/2016
Council Supports Move To End Free Parking In Belfast Over Christmas
Belfast City Council has supported a move to end free car parking in Belfast city centre over Christmas.
The plans will now go before a full Council next month.
Last year, 1,500 spaces were allocated free of charge in the evenings and weekends, however Translink reported fewer people were using public transport.
Alliance Councillor McDonough-Brown said the scheme had not produced the outcomes the Council had hoped for.
He said: "Free parking sounds attractive, but the reality was different with significant traffic delays, failed journeys and frustrated shoppers.
"Traders also lose out when potential shoppers are stuck in traffic instead of being in the shops.
"Based on the evidence presented to us, I believe the committee made the right decision as the free festive parking was counterproductive. We must develop and resource our public transport system to move commuters and shoppers more easily in and out of Belfast city centre."
(CD)
The plans will now go before a full Council next month.
Last year, 1,500 spaces were allocated free of charge in the evenings and weekends, however Translink reported fewer people were using public transport.
Alliance Councillor McDonough-Brown said the scheme had not produced the outcomes the Council had hoped for.
He said: "Free parking sounds attractive, but the reality was different with significant traffic delays, failed journeys and frustrated shoppers.
"Traders also lose out when potential shoppers are stuck in traffic instead of being in the shops.
"Based on the evidence presented to us, I believe the committee made the right decision as the free festive parking was counterproductive. We must develop and resource our public transport system to move commuters and shoppers more easily in and out of Belfast city centre."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 April 2024
SDLP 'Extremely Disappointed' Assembly Further Delays Hospital Parking Change
The SDLP have expressed their disappointment after the Assembly backed a two-year delay to free parking at hospitals. Sinn Féin, the Alliance Party and the UUP rejected an SDLP proposal to cut the delay to one year.
SDLP 'Extremely Disappointed' Assembly Further Delays Hospital Parking Change
The SDLP have expressed their disappointment after the Assembly backed a two-year delay to free parking at hospitals. Sinn Féin, the Alliance Party and the UUP rejected an SDLP proposal to cut the delay to one year.
17 April 2024
Health Minister Urged To Commit To Date For Free Hospital Staff Parking
The SDLP have called on the Health Minister to commit to a firm date for the introduction of free hospital parking for staff. Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath was speaking after second stage of the Hospital Parking Charges Bill in the Assembly on Tuesday.
Health Minister Urged To Commit To Date For Free Hospital Staff Parking
The SDLP have called on the Health Minister to commit to a firm date for the introduction of free hospital parking for staff. Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath was speaking after second stage of the Hospital Parking Charges Bill in the Assembly on Tuesday.
27 February 2007
Airport criticised over parking plans
A move to scrap free parking at Belfast International Airport has been criticised by a consumer watchdog. The General Consumers' Council has warned the decision to abolish the 10-minute free parking for those picking up friends and relatives would ultimately create more congestion at the terminal, and endanger safety at the County Antrim site.
Airport criticised over parking plans
A move to scrap free parking at Belfast International Airport has been criticised by a consumer watchdog. The General Consumers' Council has warned the decision to abolish the 10-minute free parking for those picking up friends and relatives would ultimately create more congestion at the terminal, and endanger safety at the County Antrim site.
09 August 2024
Belfast City Council To Host Free Training And Employability Session
Belfast City Council is set to host a range of free training and employability opportunities for residents in September. The event is taking place on Tuesday 3 September from 10am-1pm at the Europa Hotel. You can now register for this free event, where you'll learn about the council's range of Employment Academies.
Belfast City Council To Host Free Training And Employability Session
Belfast City Council is set to host a range of free training and employability opportunities for residents in September. The event is taking place on Tuesday 3 September from 10am-1pm at the Europa Hotel. You can now register for this free event, where you'll learn about the council's range of Employment Academies.
24 August 2023
Free Training Programme For Transport Sector
A free programme for people to train as lorry or bus drivers has been announced by Belfast City Council, as part of its employability and skills programme.
Free Training Programme For Transport Sector
A free programme for people to train as lorry or bus drivers has been announced by Belfast City Council, as part of its employability and skills programme.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
