News

Dungannon has managed to avoid the squeeze on free off street car parking.

Proposed charges on previously free off street parking have been made in 25 car parks across Northern Ireland, but motorists in Dungannon and Cookstown, will not be hit.

Most of Dungannon's off street car parks are already charged for and it would have been an unpopular decision in the town to introduce any more pay and display parking.

So last week's announcement will come as some relief to both Dungannon and Cookstown motorists as parking charges once again make the headlines.

The Courier revealed last month that Dungannon Council had been seeking free car parking, pointing to Cookstown's free car parking, pointing to Cookstown's free paring status as an example of their aim, only to be told that Cookstown would also soon have pay and display parking introduced.

But in Regional Development Minister Kennedy's proposals, there was no mention of either Dungannon or Cookstown.

However, it's set to be a different story in Magherafelt. The Central car park in the town will, from the beginning of June, no longer be free as a charge of 40p per hour will be introduced. In his announcement, the Minister said there would still be 42 free car parking spaces in Magherafelt.

He said: "I have ensured that there is free off street or on street car parking in most towns across Northern Ireland, which includes 42 free car parking spaces in Magherafelt. The off-street car parks may be a walk from the town centre but offer a free alternative to charged parking."

Given the tough economic climate that town centre businesses are operating in, I have decided to hold the proposed year two review on car parking charges for two months. This is in addition to not proceeding with on-street parking charges."
And motorists who don't pay heed to the new parking charges will face an increased fine if caught. The minister has also confirmed an increase to penalty charge notices, (PCNs), from £60 to £90, from June, through if you pay within 14 days you will receive a half price fine of £45.

Source: Tyrone Courier
Date: Wednesday 25th April 2012