TRAFFIC wardens could be making a comeback in a Co Tyrone town notorious for its lack of parking tickets as part of new redevelopment proposals.
A consultation is under way in Coalisland on design concepts for a £2.75 million scheme giving a facelift to the town centre.
Within the process, people are also being asked if they would be "in favour of implementing parking restrictions at key locations".
For seven years drivers in Coalisland have not received a single ticket from parking attendants.
Wardens were deployed for a trial period last year amid criticism over the lack of penalties compared to other towns.
But the attendants claimed they received "large amounts of abuse" and requested a police escort for visits.
Following the short trial, it was decided in January not to continue routinely sending attendants to Coalisland.
The public realm scheme includes proposals for new traffic and parking layouts, as well as a bus lay-by, loading bay and disabled spaces.
Other features include new stone paving, street furniture and lighting in the town centre.
SDLP councillor Malachy Quinn said it was a "very exciting plan for Coalisland" and encouraged people to take part in the consultation.
"There has been chat about wardens coming into the town and one of the good aspects of the plan is the addition of more disabled parking places and loading bays," he added.
"These would indeed have to be monitored to make sure that they are being used correctly and it may mean the return of parking wardens, but I would be confident that people would use their common sense when parking in the new system."
Sinn Féin councillor Niamh Doris said: "There is no doubt that parking within Coalisland is a problem for residents and customers.
"However, the current proposals take this into consideration and will be looking to make the town more accessible and parking friendly for everyone, including those who require disabled parking bays and those with young children, which I think is really important."
She added: "All residents and business owners in Coalisland should make their opinions heard so that the new public realm scheme is a reflection of what people from the town want and need."
Mid Ulster council said the proposals are subject to funding and planning approval, but work could begin in summer or early autumn of 2018.
A spokeswoman added: "The reference to parking restrictions is simply to establish local people's views on the level and type of parking provision which may be included in the scheme.
"Decisions regarding enforcement policies around on-street parking lie with the Department for Infrastructure, rather than the council, and so do not form part of this consultation."
The design concepts will be on display in Cornmill library and Western House until Halloween, and online at www.midulstercouncil.org/coalislandpublicrealm.
