Belfast Holyland parking restriction technicality needs rectified says MLA

Confusion over the name of a South Belfast street has prevented parking restrictions from being enforced, it has emerged.

Double yellow lines were painted on Collingwood Road in the Holyland area in December but due to a legal technicality their enforcement has been suspended.

In a response to a question from South Belfast MLA Paula Bradshaw, the Department for Infrastructure admitted that while they had initially legislated for double yellow lines on 'Collingwood Avenue' in October, the legislation should have been for Collingwood Road and as such, the parking restrictions have been suspended.

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“We are now in the bizarre situation where double-yellow lines have been installed by the Department, which cannot be enforced, despite the constant and blatant parking in contradiction to the restrictions,” Ms Bradshaw said.

“Residents on Collingwood Avenue have raised this situation with me on many occasions over the last couple of weeks and have been understandably angered by the lack of action. It now transpires that the enforcement was suspended on this legal technicality without informing or consulting the local community."

Paula Bradshaw urged Department officials to conclude its investigations into this matter swiftly and take the necessary steps to rectify this situation.

"Communities have a right to expect that when restrictions are put in place that they will be abided by and adequately enforced. This situation has been a constant nuisance for those living in the area," she added.

“While this matter is being resolved, I would ask all drivers to park in a considerate manner and to act in the spirit of the restrictions for the benefit of those living there.”

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