SDLP Infrastructure Spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA has welcomed the publication of the Resident’s Parking Review report on a pilot scheme which was initially launched for the Holylands, Belfast in 2007.
He said further action is needed to tackle perennial parking issues across city centre areas.
Mr Durkan has lamented the lack of detail around the expansion of Residents’ Parking schemes elsewhere in the North.
The Foyle MLA commented: “This review is welcome although I regret the length of time it took to get here. In the intervening 17 years the landscape of our city centres and the number of cars on our roads has changed drastically.
“For years, constituents have been dealing with the daily challenges of finding parking near their homes due to congestion from commuters, shoppers, students and visitors.
“Those pressures have increased with the expansion of our cities, placing added strain on residential areas. Streets in university areas are chock-a-block every day of the week.
“The Minister states that he’ll consider alternative options for university areas including pay and display zones but this kind of thinking is too narrow, it’s important that purported solutions don’t have an adverse impact on residents.
“We need to see improvements in public transport links and wider use of park and rides that bring students to and from campus.
“Ironically, buses are unable to use Duncreggan Road in Derry during the week due to the volume of parked cars there.
“It’s time to see the colour of the departments’ money.
“We want to see the expansion of the Residents’ Parking Scheme but that shouldn’t mean that protracted issues with parking across cities can be put on the long finger.
“There are plenty of short-term measures that can be taken in the interim.
“The department must be more innovative and offer opportunities that will get people out of their cars and drive that modal shift.
As we look to develop our cities, we must ensure that resident parking schemes are a feature in tandem with public transport strategies.
“I would encourage people to get in touch with SDLP offices about parking concerns as we will be pushing the Minister to deliver for areas crying out for solutions to their parking woes.”
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