'One size fits all' approach to parking will not do, says local Council

A local Council have told the Department for Communities (DfC) that a single solution to the problem of inconsiderate pavement parking will not work for all areas in Northern Ireland.

At last week's meeting of Mid Ulster District Council's Environment Committee, councillors approved a draft response to a DfC consulation on the issue.

Within the response, Council argued that a public information campaign to outline the laws around the issue would be helpful, and said a lack of parking in residential and urban areas needed consideration.

Cllr Clement Cuthbertson told the meeting that in some cases, people were left with little option but to park on the pavement.

“This is getting more highlighted again and again, and the problem is getting worse. A lot of our housing developments were built maybe 40, 50, 60, 70 years ago in the towns.

“At that time there might have been one car per street or per household, and now you've two or three per household.

“We want to move away from parking on the footpaths because we know the dangers for disabled people and parents with children and prams.

County Derry friends to take on Four Peaks Challenge

“If they don't park on the pavement, they're blocking the roads and blocking emergency vehicles coming in.

“The onus needs to come back on DfI and Housing Executive to include more parking in housing developments.”

Cllr Brian McGuigan said responsibility for the problem tended to fall between departments.

“That is an issue that always comes up at inter-agency meetings within all estates, and the multi-agency approach would be something to be explored,” he said.

“In terms of the HE, they will tell you they only own maybe 10% of a development, so it's not worth investing in additional car parking.

“Roads has no remit to provide extra car parking; if someone provides it, they will adopt it, but they won't put it there.”

The response, pending ratification at a full council meeting, will be sent to the Department for Communities.

IWD2022: Magherafelt designer 'loving life' as business blossoms

Shauna Kelly says the interior design industry is hugely 'rewarding'.

As part of our Women in Business feature for International Women's Day, Liam Tunney talks to Magherafelt-based interior designer Shauna Kelly about her creative spark, expanding her business and the pull of home.