Northern Ireland's infrastructure minister Liz Kimmins has announced plans to bring in more restrictions on pavement parking across the nation.
She has asked officials to develop 'the necessary secondary legislation' to ban parking with all four wheels on a pavement, parking across dropped kerbs and also double parking.
Regulations are already in place that prohibit parking on footways along bus lanes, bus stops, mandatory cycle lanes and mandatory ‘School Keep Clear' markings.
Infrastructure minister Liz Kimmins said: ‘Inconsiderate pavement parking has a significant adverse impact in many areas across the north. Unfortunately, too many drivers fail to realise the consequences of their actions when their vehicle blocks the footway.
‘A vehicle parked fully on a pavement creates serious and often dangerous barriers for pedestrians, forcing people to step out onto the road into oncoming traffic. This poses a safety risk, particularly for people with disabilities, older people, children and people pushing prams.
‘I would once again remind all drivers of the importance of parking responsibly and legally, and to consider the potential negative impact of their actions on other road, footway, and cycle lane users.'
The Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee (IMTAC) chairperson, Terry McCorry, added: ‘Inconsiderate parking on the pavement and the blocking of dropped kerbs create hazards for disabled people and others that prevent us making day-to-day journeys. IMTAC very much welcomes the changes announced by Minister Kimmins today as a significant step forward in tackling the issue. We will continue to work with the Minister to identify what else can be done to eradicate this anti-social behaviour.'
