Newry BID are delighted to report that all on street and off street enforcement and charges have been suspended from 6 this evening.

Illegal or unsafe parking will continue to be dealt with. A note of thanks to our local politicians who facilitated same via Minister Nichola Mallon.

It follows a statement released by Newry BID asking the department to suspend Newry’s Central Parking Zone (CPZ) status during the Covid-19 crisis.

“Our already under pressure City Centre has been tipped over the edge by the Covid-19 emergency with many businesses closing and many on reduced hours.

“Despite Government encouraging people to self-isolate, work from home and to avoid pubs / restaurants etc which has led to deserted streets and empty businesses we have the surreal situation where the pre-existing over-enforcement from the CPZ status continues.

“The BID is calling on Stormont to practice what it preaches and to support business and not penalise it further.

“The continued on-street over enforcement in Newry adds insult to injury and needs to be suspended immediately.

“We trust common sense will prevail and that Stormont will act on something that it does have control over.”

Several Newry people had commented on social media earlier today about Traffic Wardens continuing to work today in the city.

In a short press release the minister added “The Department will continue to take action where illegal parking is unsafe or blocking access to emergency or essential services”.