Lisburn to offer free weekend parking for 14 months

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 8 Oct, 15:55 · Archive

Lisburn Council has approved a 14-month pilot scheme offering free weekend car parking to boost retail footfall.

Lisburn Council's environment committee has approved a 14-month pilot scheme offering free weekend car parking in council-owned car parks from 1 December 2026 to the end of January 2028. The initiative is designed to boost retail footfall and save shoppers money by extending existing free Sunday parking to Saturdays as well.

The scheme is expected to cost the council approximately £120,000 in lost income. A council survey found that 40 per cent of people visit the city to shop. Lisburn North independent councillor Gary Hynds said the pilot was 'a great opportunity to see if free parking will bring about a business benefit in Lisburn' and would 'allow people to have more money in their pocket'.

Some concerns were raised during the decision. Downshire East UUP Alderman James Baird expressed worry about what would 'stop anyone parking in Lisburn and going somewhere else', noting that 'some people could simply come to Lisburn to park and take the train to Belfast'.

How it is being reported

• Council announces 14-month free weekend car parking scheme: ‘This is a great opportunity’Belfast Telegraph · 8 Oct, 15:28
• Pilot scheme to give shoppers free weekend parking in Lisburn and Hillsborough for 14 months"I would have some concerns about what is to stop anyone parking in Lisburn and going somewhere else."Belfast Live · 8 Oct, 13:12

In this story: Lisburn · Hillsborough · Lisburn Council · Gary Hynds · James Baird · Belfast

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