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A one-hour parking grace period announced by Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins on 26 November has been welcomed as a positive step by MLA Justin McNulty, with the trial running from 29 November 2025 to 10 January 2026.
The grace period means that all drivers paying for parking will have up to an hour after their paid time expires to return to their vehicles without receiving a ticket. The move has been framed as a way to ease pressure on shoppers and diners using the city centre, though questions remain about longer-term solutions to parking issues in the area.
SDLP MLA Justin McNulty described the grace period as a positive step that would allow people to shop, eat and support Newry businesses without the stress of rushing back to their cars. However, McNulty emphasised that the trial must be accompanied by clear communication and followed up with more permanent measures.
Mr McNulty said: "I, and all motorists, warmly welcome a one hour-grace period. We know this is a temporary fix to the parking issues at hand and hope that it will be followed up with permanent solutions. This proposal may create confusion, so it's imperative that the Minister communicates with clarity what it entails."
The trial period will give the Department for Infrastructure an opportunity to assess whether the grace period helps to address parking concerns in Newry and aims to support the local economy during the busy winter months.
