Ulster Unionist Party Communities spokesperson, Andy Allen MBE MLA, has welcomed the introduction of new parking restrictions, effective today, which prohibit parking wholly or partly on a footway at several specific locations, while urging the Department for Infrastructure to ensure options on addressing inconsiderate pavement parking is fully advanced for when a Minister assumes office. He has also stressed the importance of ensuring disability rights being at the fore of any future programme for government.

In his statement on the recent implementation of the regulations, Mr. Allen commented:

"I appreciate the introduction of these new regulations, which aim to alleviate the impact of pavement parking by prohibiting parking wholly or partly on a footway at a number of specific locations.

“I commend the Department's 'think before you park' awareness campaign and would encourage them to consider further efforts to raise public awareness, which should not only highlight these fresh regulations but also shine a light on the adverse effects of inconsiderate pavement parking on individuals with limited mobility, visual impairments, and other disabilities.

Furthermore, I acknowledge the recent completion of the department's consultation paper on inconsiderate Pavement Parking options, concluded in March 2022 and would urge them to ensure all necessary groundwork is completed, thus enabling an immediate and proactive response to this issue upon the appointment of a new Minister.

It is also critical that any forthcoming Executive demonstrates a firm commitment to addressing the array of long-overdue disability rights by placing this important issue at the forefront of any Programme for Government."