Menu
07/07/2005
Parking reform will benefit all road users - Minister
The reform of parking enforcement will benefit all those who play by the rules when using Northern Ireland’s roads, Regional Development Minister Shaun Woodward said today.
The Minister was speaking in advance of a debate in the House of Commons where he will take forward legislation to transfer the powers to tackle illegal parking from the PSNI to the Department for Regional Development’s Roads Service.
"Illegal parking has become a major problem on our streets to the extent that close to Belfast City Centre well over half the vehicles are parked illegally, indeed on at least one occasion we found that nine out of ten vehicles were breaking the law,” Mr Woodward said.
"This is simply not acceptable. It is not fair on those who do park legally. It causes inconvenience and delay to other road users, be they pedestrians, cyclists, other motorists or those using public transport, not to mention the implications for road safety as a result of people parking close to junctions pedestrian crossings or at other dangerous locations."
The Minister continued: "I do recognise that some people are concerned that this will lead to huge numbers of vehicles being clamped or towed away. I would assure you that it is not our intention to cover Belfast with 'Denver boots'. We will be putting strict controls in place to make sure that the parking enforcement company does not clamp or tow away vehicles as a matter of routine enforcement.
While the powers that the police and traffic wardens have for enforcing parking will be transferring to the Department, the police will retain responsibility for directing traffic and other duties that traffic wardens currently do which are not connected with enforcement of illegal parking.
(MB/GB)
The Minister was speaking in advance of a debate in the House of Commons where he will take forward legislation to transfer the powers to tackle illegal parking from the PSNI to the Department for Regional Development’s Roads Service.
"Illegal parking has become a major problem on our streets to the extent that close to Belfast City Centre well over half the vehicles are parked illegally, indeed on at least one occasion we found that nine out of ten vehicles were breaking the law,” Mr Woodward said.
"This is simply not acceptable. It is not fair on those who do park legally. It causes inconvenience and delay to other road users, be they pedestrians, cyclists, other motorists or those using public transport, not to mention the implications for road safety as a result of people parking close to junctions pedestrian crossings or at other dangerous locations."
The Minister continued: "I do recognise that some people are concerned that this will lead to huge numbers of vehicles being clamped or towed away. I would assure you that it is not our intention to cover Belfast with 'Denver boots'. We will be putting strict controls in place to make sure that the parking enforcement company does not clamp or tow away vehicles as a matter of routine enforcement.
While the powers that the police and traffic wardens have for enforcing parking will be transferring to the Department, the police will retain responsibility for directing traffic and other duties that traffic wardens currently do which are not connected with enforcement of illegal parking.
(MB/GB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 October 2007
Tickets Bonanza On Parking
A year after responsibility for parking fines moved from the police to the Department for Regional Development (DRD), more than 140,000 tickets for illegal parking have been issued. New statistics show that since parking enforcement moved from the PSNI last October, 143,564 parking tickets were issued by DRD-contracted National Car Parks wardens.
Tickets Bonanza On Parking
A year after responsibility for parking fines moved from the police to the Department for Regional Development (DRD), more than 140,000 tickets for illegal parking have been issued. New statistics show that since parking enforcement moved from the PSNI last October, 143,564 parking tickets were issued by DRD-contracted National Car Parks wardens.
20 September 2018
Number Of Roads Remain Closed Following Storm Ali
A number of roads remain closed across Northern Ireland following the damage caused by Storm Ali. The following roads are still closed, however the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) is working to clear the obstructions along with its multiagency partners.
Number Of Roads Remain Closed Following Storm Ali
A number of roads remain closed across Northern Ireland following the damage caused by Storm Ali. The following roads are still closed, however the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) is working to clear the obstructions along with its multiagency partners.
19 September 2018
Up To 100 Roads Closed As Storm Ali Hits NI
A growing number of roads across Northern Ireland are closed due to adverse weather conditions as a result of Storm Ali.
Up To 100 Roads Closed As Storm Ali Hits NI
A growing number of roads across Northern Ireland are closed due to adverse weather conditions as a result of Storm Ali.
02 March 2018
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
29 October 2014
Consultation Announced For Parking Schemes
A formal consultation regarding the implementation of a Residents' Parking Scheme in areas of south Belfast have commenced. The schemes involve the Lower Malone and College Park Avenue/Rugby Road areas in the city.
Consultation Announced For Parking Schemes
A formal consultation regarding the implementation of a Residents' Parking Scheme in areas of south Belfast have commenced. The schemes involve the Lower Malone and College Park Avenue/Rugby Road areas in the city.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
