The problem of pavement parking has occurred along Bedford Street located in the centre of Belfast which is one of the busiest and main paths leading to the city centre. Cars have been blocking the pavement despite the claim that parking restrictions apply to the area. This loophole in legislation is due to the delay of renewing the legislation by the Department for Infrastructure due to the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic and other factors. However, disturbance from inconsiderate pavement parking has become a concern to business groups and campaigners.
The availability of parking space has been a challenge in major cities in the UK, and drivers resort to driving on pavements even though it causes obstruction to pedestrians, particularly people living with disabilities. This issue is prevalent across Northern Ireland, and action needs to be taken. According to the Department for Infrastructure, traffic attendants enforce action against cars that park on corners. They stated that although controlled parking zones are still in operation, the experimental order which led to double-yellow and extended footway lines has expired, and the department has plans to take the necessary procedures to complete the legislation.
Andy Allen, a wheelchair user and Ulster Unionist Party assembly member, criticised the department for its delayed response to tackle pavement parking and has urged the government to take necessary action to prevent further inconvenience to people living with disabilities. Anne Madden from the charity Sustrans suggests a complete ban on pavement parking with a few exceptions. Chris McCracken, managing director of the Linen Quarter Business Improvement District, expressed concern over how pavement parking causes obstruction to pedestrians and the need for the city to adopt sustainable and active travel.
The Belfast councillor Gary McKeown has described the pavement parking in Bedford Street as a “free-for-all” as pedestrians intend to use the pavement, drivers use the areas as parking spaces and obstruction to pedestrians is a growing concern. The Department for Infrastructure routinely reminds drivers to think before parking and has taken action against cars that contravene parking restrictions. In 2023, the department plans to introduce a ban on pavement parking in certain areas already specified, like footpaths beside bus or cycle lanes. Nevertheless, officials are exploring further ways of handling the issue of pavement parking and considering future policies
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