Liz Kimmins

Infrastructure minister Liz Kimmins said secondary legislation would be brought forward to ban parking wholly on a pavement or across dropped kerbs for pedestrian access, as well as banning double parking.

Ms 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.”

She continued: “My department has been exploring a number of options that could be taken forward as positive measures to address inconsiderate pavement parking.

“I am pleased to confirm that I intend to bring forward legislation which will ban parking wholly on a pavement; parking across dropped kerbs for pedestrian access; and double parking.

“This will complement the steps that we have already taken to address the ongoing issue of inconsiderate pavement parking including introducing legislation to prohibit parking on footways alongside bus lanes, bus stops, mandatory cycle lanes and mandatory ‘School Keep Clear’ markings and encouraging parking compliance across the road network through the promotion of the ‘think before you park’ initiative.

“My officials will now take forward work to develop the necessary secondary legislation to introduce these new measures.

“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.”

Terry McCorry, chairperson of the Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee (IMTAC), said: “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.”