Call for car parking charges waiver for key workers

Speaking the recent Council’s Environment & Regeneration Committee meeting, Alderman Hussey said: “It is my understanding that during the first lockdown car parking charges were lifted on the council car parks.

“If that was true would it not be something we should consider now during the second lockdown being mindful that the majority of the traffic should be workers who have no other option but to be at their work.

“They are key workers and in some way we should be giving encouragement to them with regards to the essential work they are doing in our community.”

Karen Phillips, Director of Environment and Regeneration with Derry City & Strabane District Council responded to Alderman Hussey’s proposal.

She said: “I do believe there was some flexibility with regards car parking during the first lockdown.

“Car parking is managed by our Business & Culture Directorate so I will contact Stephen Gillespie in terms of that issue.

“Clearly it  would be something Members could consider at Full Council if they wanted to.

“The team would need to bring forward the financial implications of that and it would all have to be balanced against the cost of enforcement.”

The Full Council meeting of Derry City & Strabane District Council will take place on January 28, and the matter may be raised again at this meeting.

Gillian Anderson

Local Democracy Reporter