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Coalisland bollard parking restrictions introduced

The bollards built at Main Steet, Coalisland. Picture by Ann McManus
The bollards built at Main Steet, Coalisland. Picture by Ann McManus The bollards built at Main Steet, Coalisland. Picture by Ann McManus

A CO TYRONE town notorious for problem parking has had its first restrictions put in place in years – but they're not the usual double-yellows.

Concrete bollards have been placed along a street in Coalisland in a bid to prevent motorists parking on the kerb.

Coalisland has fuelled debate over parking enforcement in the north after it emerged motorists have received no tickets in five years.

Roads chiefs have blamed politicians for opposing parking restrictions while a Stormont MLA described Coalisland as a town where "traffic wardens are forbidden to enter".

The concrete bollards cost £600 and were built by Transport NI along a one-way street despite it having no double-yellow lines.

The absence of yellow lines suggests vehicles will still be able to park along the road.

And a photo shared online just days after the bollards were built shows a van still managed to park on the kerb.

Many motorists have used social media sites to share pictures of bad parking in the town, which has few double-yellow lines.

However, proposals for further parking restrictions stalled last year after talks ended without agreement.

Staff from Transport NI met with traders and politicians in a bid to secure support for new measures aimed at addressing parking problems.

But the Department for Regional Development (DRD) said those attending wanted extra parking facilities before introducing new restrictions.

The responsibility for off-street car parking has transferred to the 11 new councils.

Sinn Féin representatives have previously opposed parking restrictions or enforcement as "premature", saying that more parking spaces are needed.

But Sinn Féin councillor Joe O'Neill has welcomed the new bollards being installed.

He said there were "huge concerns" among motorists and traders over cars mounting kerbs and blocking the street.

The Mid Ulster councillor also expressed concern over emergency services reportedly being unable to drive along the road.

"We would hope that this will be supported by drivers," he said.

DUP Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Maurice Morrow also welcomed the bollards but called for "parity" with other towns where motorists receive many tickets.

"What is clearly going over the heads of objectors is the safety factor. The whole process of traffic regulation and enforcement is for the benefit and safety of all residents," he said.

"It is of paramount concern that disabled bays are wantonly abused in areas like Coalisland" where, he claimed "traffic wardens are forbidden to enter".

"Overall however there must be parity. Residents in other areas do not have the freedom to abandon their vehicles as and where they please.

"Nor have they had the luxury of discussion or engagement to remove parking restrictions, whereas areas like Coalisland have rejected suggestions to amend the current free-for-all."

A DRD spokeswoman said staff met with council officials, councillors and traders last year.

"Those present were very strongly opposed to any additional waiting restrictions being introduced in the town without any additional off-street parking," she said.

"They did however request that we provide bollards at this location to prevent obstruction of the footway by vehicles parking there."