Politician calls for Christmas parking gift

Politician calls for Christmas parking gift

12 December 2012

A SENIOR politician has called for a relaxation of parking restrictions in the district’s three main towns on the last Saturday before Christmas.

Councillor Dermot Curran has written to Stormont Environment Minister Danny Kennedy requesting that shoppers are allowed to park for longer in Downpatrick, Newcastle and Ballynahinch town centres on December 22.

The local politician wants one-hour parking restrictions extended by 60 minutes and hopes Mr. Kennedy will agree to the move and make sure traffic wardens are informed and don’t treat parkers with an iron fist.

“I hope Mr. Kennedy will agree to my proposed seasonal gesture to encourage people to shop locally this festive season. The last Saturday before Christmas is traditionally the busiest of the year and relaxing parking restrictions would reflect the season of goodwill,” continued Councillor Curran.

“In previous years, the Department for Regional Development has relaxed parking restrictions in other parts of Northern Ireland and I believe Mr. Kennedy should agree to relax parking restrictions in the district’s three main towns.”

Councillor Curran said the roads minister has already announced a package of transport measures for a number of towns and cities in the run-up to Christmas to assist shoppers and traders.

“I am acutely aware of the economic pressures facing the retail sector, none more so than in our local towns where retailers are finding current trading conditions challenging,” he continued.

“Many businesses depend upon seasonal trade to carry them over the winter period, with traders in Downpatrick, Newcastle and Ballynahinch ans indeed other parts of the district looking forward each Christmas to welcoming eager shoppers, anxious to pick up a bargain at this time of year.”

Councillor Curran said parking restrictions and the prospect of a heavy fine in the last few shopping days before Christmas can put people off. He hopes Mr. Kennedy will agree to his request and relax parking restrictions in the three main towns on December 22.

“Such a move would give retailers a boost, allow people more time to shop, providing an overall welcome Christmas present for the district’s retail sector,” he said.

“If the Minister agrees to relax parking restrictions then traffic wardens must be informed. There can be no ambiguity on this issue. If restrictions are relaxed it is also important that shoppers don’t abuse them.”

Councillor Curran added: “I am a strong advocate of shopping local and hope the  businesses will do well.”