WORK to implement a parking scheme for residents in south Belfast's Holylands area will begin next month, Stormont officials have confirmed.
The College Park Avenue and Rugby Road scheme, which will operate from January, will provide 117 parking spaces for residents and 119 pay-and-display spaces.
Short-stay spaces on Rugby Road and a loading bay in Carmel Street will also be created to facilitate local businesses.
The plans were approved in November last year, but residents had expressed concern over delays in its launch.
Brid Ruddy of College Park Avenue Residents' Association said she was "absolutely delighted" with yesterday's announcement, which follows years of lobbying from residents.
"There has been to-ing and fro-ing from the department issuing contradictory statements, but we're glad it's all going ahead," she said.
"We're hoping this kind of sets the scene for other communities to really reduce commuter traffic and reclaim communities for families."
A residents' parking scheme only allows vehicles with a valid permit or ticket to park during its operating times.
The Holylands initiative will operate weekdays from 8am to 6pm in a bid to discourage vehicles from outside the area such as commuters.
The Department for Infrastructure said: "Residents of south Belfast have long voiced their concerns about parking in their local area.
"This scheme has been developed in consultation with local residents. It will help address the long-standing parking problems in this area."