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Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced a festive season initiative for an hour's grace period for anyone parking in on-street spaces within Controlled Parking Zones in Newry, but it falls short of offering a period of totally free parking like most other parts of the north. Apart from Newry, Belfast and Lisburn all other towns and cities throughout the north offer a free parking period.
The trial means people will have up to one hour to get back to their cars after their paid parking expires without the worry of getting a ticket.
The minister explained earlier this month that she was considering options but would need to look at an initiative that wouldn't need legislation changed as that process can be lengthy.
Running from Saturday 29 November 2025 until 10 January 2026, the initiative is being trialled in both Newry and Lisburn.
Minister Kimmins explained that she's examined all the options available around flexibility in controlled parking zones to support high street shopping and hospitality. She said the trial will help shape future approaches to on-street parking, making sure they meet the needs of local communities and businesses.
"I am well aware of the challenges that shop owners and hospitality providers are experiencing, and the need to encourage more people to visit and spend time on the high street," the Minister said.
She added: "Traders want people to be relaxed; they want them to stop for a coffee. They want people to be looking at their window displays and looking at what they have to offer on their shelves – not looking at their watches in a panic to get back to their car."
The Minister said providing an hour's grace period for parking sessions will give shoppers and traders a boost, offering greater flexibility for visitors whilst balancing the need to maintain an effective flow of traffic into the city centres during the festive season.
The grace period is being introduced specifically to encourage more footfall on the high street and give people the chance to relax and enjoy their shopping experience without constantly checking the time. Minister Kimmins encouraged all visitors to Newry and Lisburn to park responsibly to ensure safer streets, better access for disabled people, support for local business and a transport system that works for everyone.
