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Parking tickets not a Coalisland thing

Zero parking tickets have been issued in Coalisland for the fourth year in a row. So what makes the Co Tyrone town such a safe haven for poorly parked drivers? Brendan Hughes reports

WITH its peak-time traffic jams and junction tailbacks, Coalisland might seem like any other town in Co Tyrone. But unlike other towns there is one important issue drivers in Coalisland never have to worry about - parking tickets.

A grand total of zero parking tickets were issued in Coalisland during the whole of last year.

It is the fourth year in a row on record that motorists in Coalisland have not received any penalties for erroneous parking.

Despite the lack of tickets, motorists in many other towns of a similar size and smaller across Northern Ireland have received penalty notices.

Last year more than 60 parking tickets were issued in Fivemiletown, while drivers in Castlederg received 34 fines.

Figures reveal that Belfast motorists received the most parking tickets at 27,547 followed by 9,288 issued in Derry and 8,973 in Newry.

Drivers in Omagh received the most parking tickets in Co Tyrone with 3,979 issued last year.

A parking ticket or Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) is £90, but is reduced to £45 if paid within 14 days.

Parking attendants visited Coalisland only five times during 2013 but issued no tickets.

Coalisland's streets have relatively few parking restrictions, with a notable lack of double-yellow lines for motorists to contend with.

Few parking restrictions have been created in Coalisland because of opposition from local councillors and traders, according to the Department for Regional Development (DRD).

DUP MLA Maurice Morrow said the failure to enforce parking restrictions has led to "parking chaos" in the town.

He accused DRD of treating Coalisland as a "privileged town" and urged the department to launch a no-warning pilot enforcement scheme.

"It beggars belief that the parking chaos which exists in Coalis-land has still not been sorted out," he said.

"For a town the size and population of Coalisland not to have enforced traffic regulation is indeed unreasonable and totally unacceptable.

"When one compares Coalisland with towns of similar size and smaller, where traffic wardens and enforcement is prioritised, one is left considering why exactly Coalisland is exempt from parking regulation, which is taken for granted in other towns."

The Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA said a "considerable" amount of public revenue could be generated due to the extent of illegal parking in Coalisland.

"Coalisland residents and traders have spoken to me at length and they want a proper parking system which facilitates the smooth and effective running of their business and outside their homes," he said.

A DRD spokeswoman said: "Parking restrictions and other road markings will only be introduced to aid the safe and free movement of road traffic, including pedestrians.

"Historically, any attempts by Roads Service to provide any additional waiting restrictions in Coalisland were not acceptable to local councillors, traders and members of the Coalisland Regeneration Partnership.

"However, late last year, Roads Service engaged with local councillors, town traders and Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council officials to consider parking issues and the need for additional restrictions in Coalisland.

"Roads Service is currently working in partnership with this grouping to develop parking restrictions that would be acceptable to all members."

* FREE FOR ALL: Parking is rarely an issue on the streets of Coalisland with the double yellow lines shown below right a rare sighting in the Co Tyrone town. Statistics have shown that no parking tickets were issued in the town during 2013 PICTURES: Cliff Donaldson