Disabled parking bays handy for city centre shops could lose out to loading bays

Disabled parking bays handy for city centre shops could lose out to loading bays Plans to transform a disused taxi rank is at the centre of regeneration planning View 3 Images The Market Square area of Lisburn. Disabled parking in Lisburn's Market Square might not be increased in favour of business loading bays in the city centre. ‌ Councillors voiced their preference to transform a disused taxi rank at the recent regeneration and growth committee. ‌ A consultation with the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) could now potentially see blue badge holders having limited access to a pedestrian zone of the city. ‌ READ MORE: CCTV concerns, choking odour and car parking issues discussed at NI council. READ MORE: Council to 'explore' Stormont funding for free period products after pilot scheme ends. Lisburn South UUP councillor Tim Mitchell said:'There has always been an issue there of no loading bay at the front of the shops. ‌ 'Quite often a lot of the delivery drivers when coming to the business were getting parking tickets, because they were longer than 15 minutes delivering. 'I agree 100% there is no more need for a taxi rank and we do need a loading bay. "In terms of disabled spots I would say that we have disabled spaces the other side of the square. ‌ 'I would say order more car parking spaces as well if not in place altogether as we are meeting the criteria with the disabled spots across the other side. 'It is going to get to a point where we could have more disabled spaces and no actual real car parking spaces.' View 3 Images A councillor has warned about public safety on Bow Street, Lisburn. ‌ In December 2025, Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council began the first phase of the 'Wayfinding' project to make areas including Market Square and Bow Street more accessible to people of all abilities to move around the city centre. The main high street area of the city is a fully pedestrianised public and retail space closed to traffic to create a safe area for shoppers. Downshire West DUP Alderman Allan Ewart added:'One of the businesses there had approached me about it, that when a lorry pulls up the red coats (parking attendants) are out ready to book them. ‌ 'So it is causing problems for businesses that we are trying to attract into the city centre. "There are about half a dozen disabled parking bays across the road so we don't really need more. 'Maybe only to allow for opening the car door on the other side.' ‌ View 3 Images Lisburn city centre. (Image: Photo by Stephen Wallace) A council officer said:'There are disabled parking spaces just across the road and it is rare that all those parking spaces would be taken up. 'So we don't feel there is an overt demand for disabled parking. Article continues below 'We have advised DfI on the preference of a loading bay and if feasible disabled parking in addition.' For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter