Parking needn’t be a fine every time, says McIlveen

Speaking out in response to increasing numbers of complaints from his constituents about receiving tickets at parking facilities in the borough, Mr McIlveen said it is important that people are well informed as to what car parks are available and which of them carry a charge.

The Assemblyman said it is “a simple matter of communication and information”.

“I have been contacted more and more often by concerned constituents about car parking in Ballymena,” he stated.

“Increasingly, people seem to be getting tickets in car parks and I feel the public need to be better informed to prevent this happening. I have compiled a list of the available car parks in Ballymena, which I hope will be of use to my constituents. I have also included information as to which car parks carry a charge, and how that charge must be paid.

“I hope this information will be of use to locals and visitors alike, to ensure that less people are hit by parking tickets in and around Ballymena. However I also hope that the car park owners take steps to ensure that in each car park that carries a charge, this is clearly marked in large signage at each entrance to the car park. If the car park is pay and display, the pay station should also be clearly marked and very visible,” said Mr Ilveen.

He added: “The members of the public that have contacted me have been particularly concerned about car parks that were previously free to park, but that now carry a charge”.

Mr McIlveen said information on the issue is now availabile on his website, at www.davidmcilveen.org.uk complete with a map showing each car park.

“I will endeavour to keep this information updated if and when any further changes take place. If anyone feels I have neglected to include any available parking, I would be happy to take their comments on board if they contact me,” he said.