FIRMS are at risk of being driven out of Newtownards town centre because delivery drivers are being hit with repeated parking fines, it has been claimed.
Strangford MP Jim Shannon has called for a ‘common sense’ approach to enforcement, particularly around Conway Square and the introduction of new dedicated loading bays.
The MP has urged Ards and North Down Council and the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) to show greater flexibility for businesses loading and unloading around Conway Square while discussions continue on possible long-term solutions.
He said local businesses had contacted him after receiving multiple parking tickets while delivery vehicles were servicing their premises.
“Two local businesses have contacted me about their vehicles loading and unloading and both businesses employ approx 70 people combined and they have vans coming and going all day and appear to have been the targets of repeated parking tickets,” he said.
“Sometimes up to three parking tickets per week at a discounted price of £45 per ticket if paid quickly.”
Mr Shannon said while the free flow of traffic is important businesses cannot survive without deliveries.
“I am aware that there are currently conversations taking place between the Council, Department for Infrastructure and the Chamber of Commerce and discussions would indicate the provision of loading bays at Conway Square that may help the issue whilst at the same time reducing parking ability,” he said,
“However, whilst these discussions are taking place, businesses cannot afford the tax on deliveries that they feel that they are facing.
“It is impossible to run a business with a major production line in the premises without getting deliveries during the day and the concern over the parking tax could see a business moving out of town centre which is not something that should be considered.
“A bit of flexibility and common sense approach is needed and I would urge this flexibility to be employed whilst finding the best available solution.”
