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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)
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