Free park and ride services have been launched across Northern Ireland in a bid to encourage shopping and trade throughout the festive season.

Transport Minister Danny Kennedy made the announcement and urged the public to take advantage of the scheme.

Shoppers will now be able to avail of free transport from park and ride sites every weekend and on weeknights after 16.30.

The Minister said: "Whether you want to shop or socialise, using park and ride helps you do this without the hassle of paying for parking and ensures you avoid the usual pre-Christmas traffic in our towns and cities.

"Translink are offering free Park and Ride Services after 16.30 on weeknights when late night shopping is in place and all day each Saturday for people travelling into many of our cities and towns.

"This is an ideal opportunity for everyone to see for themselves that public transport is accessible and hassle-free. The fact that it is free at in the evening and at weekends is an added bonus and one which the public should take advantage of."

The news follows last week’s announcement of the creation of an additional 312 spaces for Park and Ride in Newtownabbey, Omagh, Coleraine and the surrounding areas. Park and ride schemes are becoming increasingly popular in Northern Ireland.

Danny Kennedy said: "My Department is committed to growing sustainable travel, and working with Translink we will continue to improve the availability of Park and Ride and Park and Share facilities throughout Northern Ireland.

"As well as free Park and ride services Translink have a range of special offers available over Christmas and I would encourage everyone to leave their cars at home and see what public transport has to offer."

(IT)