Northern Ireland Conservatives’ spokesperson, Bill McKendry, has called for a Christmas parking charges amnesty to relieve the pressure on hard pressed retailers and cash strapped shoppers.
“It’s a worrying time for the retail trade,” Bill explained. “So far the business owners I talk to say Christmas shopping is not delivering the expected rise in footfall in our town and city centres. Something needs to be done, otherwise, come the New Year, we will see even more vacant premises on Northern Ireland’s high streets.”
“One major factor which dissuades shoppers from coming into town and city centres is the high cost of parking and parking restrictions. One way which councils can help deliver a timely boost for retailers is by implementing a parking charges amnesty over the Christmas shopping period. I would strongly encourage councils across Northern Ireland to consider taking this action.”
“A parking charges amnesty in town and city centres, on street and in council owned car parks, is a relatively simple measure, which can be implemented quickly and easily, but it can provide a genuine boost to retailers at a really difficult time. Let’s give shoppers and shop owners a festive lift, by relieving the burden of parking charges this Christmas.”