A new crackdown on inconsiderate parking has been announced in Northern Ireland, with drivers warned they could face fines. The campaign, led by Ards and North Down Borough Council, highlights the real challenges faced by older people, wheelchair users, parents with prams, and individuals with visual or mobility impairments.
Campaign Strapline: 'You Have a Choice - We Don't'
At the heart of the campaign is its powerful strapline: 'You have a choice - we don't.' Developed through a collaborative co-design process, the campaign draws directly on the lived experiences of members of the Over 50s Council and Disability Forum. These advisory groups work with the Council to highlight and address issues affecting older people and those with disabilities.
Video and Visual Materials Highlight Real-Life Impact
The campaign includes a short video featuring lived experiences from members of the Disability Forum and Over 50s Council, along with a range of visual materials for social media and print. These highlight real-life scenarios showing the everyday impact of inconsiderate parking.
Mayor and Community Representatives Speak Out
The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Craig Blaney, said: 'The Considerate Parking video and posters bring the message to life in a very real and relatable way. Knowing this has been created for Ards and North Down, by people who live here, makes it all the more impactful.'
A representative from the Over 50s Council and Disability Forum added: 'This campaign isn't about pointing fingers; it's about helping people see things from our perspective. A little more awareness can help make our Borough more accessible for everyone.'
Stronger Legal Tools for Councils
After consulting the public, the Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed that councils will receive stronger legal tools to manage pavement parking across broader areas, replacing the slow, street-by-street process previously required. Because councils understand their neighbourhoods best, they will be able to decide where restrictions are needed and maintain flexibility in places where pavement parking remains suitable.
RAC Supports Balanced Approach
RAC Senior Policy Officer, Rod Dennis, said: 'Our research shows a clear majority of drivers agree that no pavement user should be made to walk or wheel into the road because of someone else's inconsiderate parking. These proposals should clear the way for councils to prevent pavement parking where it causes problems, but permit drivers to partially park on pavements where doing so helps keep traffic flowing and doesn't inconvenience other people.'
