Residents and businesses advised of changes to car parking charges in Mid and East Antrim
Tuesday 23 May 2023
Residents, visitors and businesses in Mid and East Antrim are being advised of changes to car parking charges in the Borough – the first in eight years.
As of 1 July 2023, the cost of parking in Council-run car parks which currently have a charge in place within Ballymena, Larne and Carrickfergus will be 60p per hour. This will ensure a standardised and consistent approach across the three main towns within the Borough
These include Council parking facilities in Larne at Agnew Street, Circular Road West, Fairhill, Narrow Gauge Road, Riverdale, in Carrickfergus at Joymount, High Street and Lancasterian Street, and in Ballymena at Harryville, Ballymoney Road, Broughshane Street 1, Church Street 1, Church Street 2 and Church Street 3.
The changes will also see an increase to 70p per hour for the multi-storey car park in Ballymena which has undergone significant investment to enhance its use and secure its long-term viability. This has included approximately £600,000 of investment to install new modern software, improve energy efficiency of lighting, upgraded lift and works to ensure the structural integrity through the installation of a new waterproof coating to the upper surfaces.
In addition, Council intend to introduce charges to a number of car parks within the town core which were previously free to use. These include in Ballymena at Mount Street 1, Mount Street 2 and Broughshane Street 2, and in Larne at Exchange Road and Circular Road East. In accordance with the legislation, a 21-day consultation period is available to make comments for consideration.
The new pricing structure marks the first time tariffs have been increased by the Council since 2015 and come in response to soaring cost of living pressures.
A Council spokesperson said: “We believe that despite the increases, the new car parking charges are reasonable and competitive in comparison to other privately operated car parks and other towns, and the income generated will be used to mitigate the rate rises across the Borough and help ensure the car parks are maintained to the standard expected by the users.
“Council will continue to work closely with our town centre traders and business leaders to do all we can to support, promote and grow our economy and ensure the very best services, facilities and infrastructure for our citizens.
“We thank our car park users for their understanding and we will work hard to minimise any disruption over the coming weeks.”
As well as Council’s paid-for car parks, a large number of free parking facilities remain open across the Borough and within close proximity of the town centres. Details of these can be found on our Car Parking page.
In addition all car parks, with the exception of the multi-storey carpark in Ballymena, remain free of charge on Sundays.