Three significant parking rules are set to be introduced across Northern Ireland, aiming to improve pedestrian safety and address inconsiderate parking practices. The new regulations will prohibit vehicles from parking fully on pavements with all four wheels, parking across dropped kerbs that provide pedestrian access, and double parking.
Minister Kimmins emphasized the dangers of pavement parking: “Inconsiderate pavement parking creates serious and often dangerous barriers for pedestrians, forcing people to step out onto the road into oncoming traffic.” The safety risks particularly affect vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities, older adults, children, and parents pushing prams.
Once the required secondary legislation is approved, these rules will apply to all drivers in Northern Ireland. The move builds on existing efforts that prevent parking on footways beside bus lanes, bus stops, cycle lanes, and ‘School Keep Clear’ zones, all aimed at encouraging responsible parking.
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Minister Kimmins added, “I urge all drivers to park responsibly and legally, keeping in mind how their actions impact other road, footway, and cycle lane users.” Officials are now working to finalize the legislation to enact these new parking measures.
The Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee (IMTAC) Chairperson Terry McCorry welcomed the changes, stating, “Blocking pavements and dropped kerbs creates hazards for disabled people and others making everyday journeys. We see these new rules as a positive step towards tackling this issue and will continue cooperating to eliminate this anti-social behavior.”