Control and enforcement of off-street car parking now looks unlikely to transfer to the new Newry, Mourne and Down Council until 2016. The powers had been set to transfer from the Department of Regional Development (DRD) in April next year however the new council has decided to delay this transfer until Halloween 2016. A total of 38 car parks have been scheduled to transfer to council control – 11 of which are currently operated on a paid parking basis. In a report presented to Councillors last week it was recommended that, “Members agree to enter into a SLA (service level agreement) with Transport NI until October 2016. Negotiations are undertaken in relation to the costs of the SLA which would run from 1st April 2015 to October 31 2016 with an option for extension with DRD to continue the current operational agreements with regard to car parks in the District. Members agree to the implementation of flexible arrangements for car parking tariffs and opening hours for inclusion in SLA. Members agree to undertake a condition survey of car parks to inform on maintenance budgeting. Members agree to consider their policy for all car parks (town centre and at visitor attractions) post October 2016.” In 2013/14 the 11 paid car parks in the Newry and Mourne and Down region raised total revenues of £437,783. Six of these car parks are in Newry, two in Ballynahinch and three in Downpatrick. It should be noted that on street parking control will not be transferred to the new Council.
3rd September 2014
Newry Reporter
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