Concern over parking fines by private firms across district

Concern over parking fines by private firms across district

10 April 2024

A LOCAL politician has expressed concern at the number of fines being handed out by private car parking firms across the district.

South Down MLA Colin McGrath is so concerned that he is to raise the issue with Stormont justice minister Naomi Long.

He is also appealing to people who use a car park adjacent to the Sports Direct store at St Patrick’s Avenue in Downpatrick to be aware that they can only do so for free for one hour.

People across the district have been voicing concern about fines being issued by private companies which have been handed responsibility for managing a number of car parks, with their views resonating with him.

“The issue of parking fines at car parks is nothing new, but I am concerned at the marked increase in the number of people seeking advice from my office who have received one across multiple car parks in South Down,” said Mr McGrath.

“I understand that recently, paid car parking has been introduced at a car park at St Patrick’s Avenue which members of the public may not be aware of. I would appeal to those who park here, to be aware of this change and that should they be parked there for longer than an hour, they will need to pay.”

Mr McGrath said he is concerned at the growing number of fines being issued to people, and the associated cost with this.

He said while the time people can stop in some car parks is not restricted, it is in others and that essentially when it comes to charging, there’s a postcode lottery in operation across the district.

“I will be writing to the Justice Minister on this matter to enquire as to how these companies operate, how they can appear overnight with drivers none the wiser and how these high rates of fines are calculated,” Mr McGrath confirmed.

“I would hope that the Minister can provide some much-needed answers to this and hopefully solutions too."