Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has confirmed that the one-hour grace period for on-street parking within the Controlled Parking Zones in Newry and Lisburn is now a permanent measure.

The decision takes immediate effect and means drivers who have paid for on-street parking will have up to an extra hour after their paid period ends to return to their vehicle.

The grace period began as a pilot in late 2025 to provide more flexibility for people visiting city-centre shops, cafés and other local businesses.

Minister Kimmins said: "I am committed to doing all I can to help support local businesses and encourage people to spend more time on the high street. We have all been in the position where we end up taking slightly longer than planned in one of our many fantastic local shops or chatting with friends over a coffee or lunch in a café or restaurant. I want people to have the reassurance that they can take that extra time to browse or order another coffee without the worry of having to rush back to their car. "I introduced the pilot initiative while considering a longer-term approach to on-street parking for Newry and Lisburn that would help meet the needs of local communities, visitors and businesses. During the pilot, more than 1,000 drivers availed of the additional flexibility, while the arrangements continued to support the effective flow of traffic. I am therefore pleased to announce that effective immediately these arrangements will be made permanent.

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

Eamonn Connolly from Newry Business Improvement District (BID) said: "Newry BID has consistently called for measures that make it easier for people to visit and spend time in our city centre, so we very much welcome the extension of the one-hour parking grace period. It is a positive step for businesses, shoppers and the wider city. We would like to thank the Minister for listening to the concerns of the business community and for her continued support for our city centre."

Ruth Young, President of Lisburn Chamber of Commerce, said: "Every extra minute a visitor spends in Lisburn without watching the clock is good news for our traders. The grace period has made a difference during the pilot, and making it permanent sends a clear message that Lisburn is open, welcoming and easy to spend time in. It's a step in the right direction, but there is more to do for our city centre to compete on a truly level playing field with other retail destinations across Northern Ireland. We thank the Minister for listening to our business community and would encourage her to keep building on this progress."