Mr Joe Drew, Divisional Roads Manager of Roads Service

  Joe Drew spoke on the subject of Traffic and Parking solutions

Mr Drew began his presentation by outlining the recent successes of his department, including the altered markings at the Gransha Road roundabout, which have reduced collisions by 70% in the first year since completion, and the increased pedestrian facilities on Abbey Street and Main Street.

He informed the group that following an informal survey - his department found that only 16 out of 237 roadside parking spaces in Bangor Town Centre were vacant at 9.30am on a random day.

"This shows that all-day parkers, i.e. shop staff, are taking up the majority of spaces," he stated. "Free car parks further away, such as Dufferin Square, were almost totally unused. "If shops want an increase in customers, they must make their staff park further away and walk in."

He unveiled plans to increase the turnover of spaces by more vigorously enforcing parking time limits.  In October 2006, Roads Service under the Decriminalised Parking Enforcement will be responsible for enforcing the one-hour time limit for on street parking.

Mr Drew added that Roads Service would be in favour of: -

• The best car parking spaces in the town being available for customers, shoppers and visitors who are the lifeblood of any town centre.
• The best spaces are on street in the immediate vicinity of shops
• The best way to deter all day parking is to introduce pay and display for street parking in selected areas.

On street parking charges would encourage greater turnover of spaces and encourage shoppers to come to the town centre who might otherwise go elsewhere.