Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to provide additional parking places in Newtownards which will be(a) free and (b) pay parking.
§ Mr. Needham[holding answer 7 June 1988]: The Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland is currently negotiating to purchase the old gasworks site in Mill street, Newtownards to construct a new 208-space car park. No decision on charging will he taken until it is purchased and is fully operational.
Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his reply of 6 May,Official Report, columns 615–16, how many free parking places there are at present in Newtownards; and how many free parking places there will be after the introduction of parking charges in the towns.
§ Mr. Needham[holding answer 7 June 1988]: The Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland currently provides approximately 530 free off-street parking spaces in Newtownards. In addition there are approximately 900 on-street parking spaces available. After the introduction of parking charges in the town approximately 200 off-street parking spaces will remain free in addition to the on-street parking.
Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will take steps to allow Ards borough council authority to provide(a) free car parks and (b) pay car parks in Newtownards.
§ Mr. Needham[holding answer 7 June 1988]: The Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland is the sole road authority in Northern Ireland and has no statutory powers to enable the borough council to provide town centre parking in Newtownards.