Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has introduced a seasonal pilot giving drivers an additional hour's grace after their paid parking session ends in on-street bays within the Controlled Parking Zones in Lisburn and Newry, meaning motorists can return to their vehicles within that period without receiving a ticket.

The trial will operate from Saturday, 29 November 2025 until 10 January 2026, aiming to encourage footfall and support local traders over the festive period while keeping traffic moving in the city centres.

Minister Liz Kimmins said: "I am well aware of the challenges that shop owners and hospitality providers are experiencing, and the need to encourage more people to visit and spend time on the high street. "Traders want people to be relaxed; they want them to stop for a coffee. They want people to be looking at their window displays and looking at what they have to offer on their shelves – not looking at their watches in a panic to get back to their car.

"I have examined all options available to me around flexibility in controlled parking zones to support high street shopping and hospitality, which is why I am pleased to introduce this pilot initiative for Lisburn and Newry over the festive season. This trial will help shape future approaches to on-street parking, ensuring that they meet the needs of local communities and businesses.

"Providing an hour's grace period for parking sessions will give shoppers and traders a boost, offering greater flexibility for visitors while balancing the need to maintain an effective flow of traffic into these city centres during the festive season.

"I encourage all visitors to Lisburn and Newry to park responsibly to ensure we have safer streets, better access for disabled people, support for local business and a transport system that works for everyone."

The Lisburn CPZ includes around 240 charged on-street spaces, while Newry's zone covers about 440.