Retailers Meet Minister Over Parking Fees

The organisation that represents NI's independent retailing sector has held a meeting with the newly installed Stormont Department for Regional Development (DRD) Minister.

Members of the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association, (NIIRTA), met Ulster Unionist Minister, Danny Kennedy to discuss the proposal to introduce on-street parking charges.

The delegation was lead by the NIIRTA's Chief Executive Glyn Roberts with Joe Quail, President, Banbridge Chamber of Commerce; Patrick Cassidy, Chairman of Down Business Forum; Michael McCune, President of Carrickfergus Chamber of Commerce and William Gilliland, President, Ards Chamber of Commerce.

The organisation has already said it is opposed to the proposal, with the NIIRTA Chief Executive even describing the introduction of parking meters to provincial town centres as "madness".

He added: "With large retailers offering free parking in out of town sites, there is a serious threat to town centres and local businesses.

"The possibility of receiving a £90 parking fine will do nothing to attract shoppers to our town centres. They will not risk it. This is wrong.

"NIRTA has set out its position on the threat to the 30 towns across Northern Ireland," he said, in April.

"There is an argument that on-street parking is about trying to create turnover in the small towns and improving traffic flow, and is aimed at employees 'hogging' parking spaces.

"This parking proposal is just about raising £37m in revenue," he said, suggesting: "The big stores should really be paying more in rates."

Commenting after this month's face-to-face, the Regional Development Minister was keeping his cards 'close to his chest' and said: "I welcome this opportunity to meet and hear the views of the Association on matters relating to on-street parking charges and public transport.

"I have confirmed that I am urgently reviewing the policy of introducing new on-street car parking charges in towns throughout Northern Ireland.

"I have met with a number of local representatives and traders in Comber, Cookstown and Newtownards to listen to their concerns. I also plan to meet with other traders and local representatives across Northern Ireland.

"After hearing as wide a viewpoint as possible I hope to announce my decision on the introduction of on-street charging by July."

Glyn Roberts said after the June meeting: "This was a productive meeting with the new DRD Minister and we welcome his willingness to review the proposals for additional on street car parking and for listening to the concerns of local independent traders on this issue.

"Some 27 local business organisations have expressed opposition to these proposals and I hope that the Minister will come to a speedy decision on this vital issue for the future of our town centres," he said.

The meeting came just over a week after Minister Kennedy visited Cookstown and accepted a petition objecting to the introduction of on-street parking charges.

The document was signed by of 8,000 names, all objecting to the introduction of new charges.

"I will continue to meet with groups to listen to what they have to say on this matter.

"On-street parking charges are a top priority and I am determined to hear a range of views, including traders, residents, shoppers, Chamber of Commerce and local representatives," the Minister said at the time, but not commenting on what his final decision would be.

See: Cookstown Parking In Focus

(BMcC/GK)