Social media posts have been circulating concerning parking restrictions at Killowen Medical Centre. Causeway Coast Community understands that patients have been caught unaware of the new parking restrictions in the car park.
Councillor William McCandless has received calls over the past two days.
Speaking to Causeway Coast Community Cllr McCandless has appealed for a Grace Period before fines are imposed.
“We should never underestimate the importance of communication to our staff, customers and in this case patients. Yes, I can see that there is a plethora of signage about parking restrictions around Killowen Health Centre but realistically if you are approaching the health centre at a busy period or in rush hour traffic with an elderly relative or a child, ensuring you are there on time, assisting them from the vehicle also, the last thing you are thinking about is looking around for parking restrictions especially if there have been none in place before.
I would appeal to Killowen Health Centre and their parking agent to grant a one month grace period to patients and a written communication to their patients would probably be a good idea also until all are aware of the terms and conditions. For anyone like Teresa who has been affected by this please feel free to contact me at [email protected]
I fully appreciate also the frustration of the medical centres that their car parks have been abused by people who are not attending the clinics and are looking for free parking. This practice happened years ago at Causeway Hospital also. Remember the Waterside car park is available for free parking.”
Concluding William said “I have already discussed this issue with a member of staff this morning Wed 5/9 at the Medical Centre, unfortunately, the Centre Manager and Senior Practitioner we’re unavailable but request has been made for a meeting to discuss “ Grace Period “ and waiving of fines for a period of time.”
