Menu
30/04/2008
Parking Protest Unites Communities
In a highly unusual and probably unique show of non-sectarian co-operation, residents in the strongly republican Markets area and the staunchly loyalist Donegall Pass areas of Belfast have united to protest over city commuters parking all day on their streets.
Where parades and other issues have frequently led to bitter street confrontation and occasional violence, 'orange' and 'green' protestors have today illegally set out blockades to limit access to their areas to just local people and emergency services.
They said they are angry that people who do not live locally block their streets to essential services.
Last week, the Stormont Government launched proposals for a residents-only scheme to end the 'scourge' of all-day parking, but the scheme would mean residents in the five 'pilot' areas having to pay £40 for an annual permit - to park at their own homes.
This has angered some people who believe they should not pay for a problem which is not of their making prompting NI Roads Minister Conor Murphy to say that "sorting out the issue would incur costs" and noting that the plan is only out to consultation and will therefore only proceed if it gets majority approval in the areas where it is planned.
However, as reported by the BBC today, Ken Orr, a community worker in Donegall Pass, said: "People are protesting against the rampant commuter parking. It's been going on for years and years.
"They are blocking access to emergency vehicles, essential services, they're parked on the pavements. They are making the roads much narrower than they need be. You can't even park your own car in the area because of commuters."
In the nearby republican Markets area, a spokewoman also slammed the all-day parking.
She said in the past emergency services could not get through the streets and claimed that, recently, some bins could not be emptied because of the commuter car problem.
Deirdre Hargey, Chair of the Markets Development Association, said: "Inner city working class communities are mainly affected by this issue.
"This is an issue of health and safety, you cannot play with people's lives."
Meanwhile, police did attend the protests for a time, but then left, despite the blockages being illegal.
A police spokesman said they were aware of a number of protests in south Belfast and were monitoring the situation.
(BMcC)
Where parades and other issues have frequently led to bitter street confrontation and occasional violence, 'orange' and 'green' protestors have today illegally set out blockades to limit access to their areas to just local people and emergency services.
They said they are angry that people who do not live locally block their streets to essential services.
Last week, the Stormont Government launched proposals for a residents-only scheme to end the 'scourge' of all-day parking, but the scheme would mean residents in the five 'pilot' areas having to pay £40 for an annual permit - to park at their own homes.
This has angered some people who believe they should not pay for a problem which is not of their making prompting NI Roads Minister Conor Murphy to say that "sorting out the issue would incur costs" and noting that the plan is only out to consultation and will therefore only proceed if it gets majority approval in the areas where it is planned.
However, as reported by the BBC today, Ken Orr, a community worker in Donegall Pass, said: "People are protesting against the rampant commuter parking. It's been going on for years and years.
"They are blocking access to emergency vehicles, essential services, they're parked on the pavements. They are making the roads much narrower than they need be. You can't even park your own car in the area because of commuters."
In the nearby republican Markets area, a spokewoman also slammed the all-day parking.
She said in the past emergency services could not get through the streets and claimed that, recently, some bins could not be emptied because of the commuter car problem.
Deirdre Hargey, Chair of the Markets Development Association, said: "Inner city working class communities are mainly affected by this issue.
"This is an issue of health and safety, you cannot play with people's lives."
Meanwhile, police did attend the protests for a time, but then left, despite the blockages being illegal.
A police spokesman said they were aware of a number of protests in south Belfast and were monitoring the situation.
(BMcC)
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.
09 May 2024
Council Scheme To Address Parking Blocking Bin Collection
Belfast City Council has announced a new pilot scheme to address parking issues in the city which can make it difficult to empty residents' bins on time.
Council Scheme To Address Parking Blocking Bin Collection
Belfast City Council has announced a new pilot scheme to address parking issues in the city which can make it difficult to empty residents' bins on time.
09 May 2024
Hospital Parking Charges Temporarily Removed
The Department of Health has warned of possible disruption at hospital sites over the next week, advising patients, visitors and staff to leave extra time to get to appointments or when accessing hospital sites. The warning comes after hospital parking charges were unexpectedly suspended.
Hospital Parking Charges Temporarily Removed
The Department of Health has warned of possible disruption at hospital sites over the next week, advising patients, visitors and staff to leave extra time to get to appointments or when accessing hospital sites. The warning comes after hospital parking charges were unexpectedly suspended.
24 April 2024
SDLP 'Extremely Disappointed' Assembly Further Delays Hospital Parking Change
The SDLP have expressed their disappointment after the Assembly backed a two-year delay to free parking at hospitals. Sinn Féin, the Alliance Party and the UUP rejected an SDLP proposal to cut the delay to one year.
SDLP 'Extremely Disappointed' Assembly Further Delays Hospital Parking Change
The SDLP have expressed their disappointment after the Assembly backed a two-year delay to free parking at hospitals. Sinn Féin, the Alliance Party and the UUP rejected an SDLP proposal to cut the delay to one year.
27 March 2024
Health Minister To Seek Deferral Of All Hospital Parking Charges
Health Minister, Robin Swann, has announced that he will seek a deferral to legislation to remove all hospital parking charges from 12 May, 2024. Minister Swann said that he will ask the Assembly to defer the measure for a two year period.
Health Minister To Seek Deferral Of All Hospital Parking Charges
Health Minister, Robin Swann, has announced that he will seek a deferral to legislation to remove all hospital parking charges from 12 May, 2024. Minister Swann said that he will ask the Assembly to defer the measure for a two year period.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.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.
