Northern Ireland

First residents' parking scheme starts in south Belfast

The parking scheme will operate on Rugby Road in south Belfast. Picture by Hugh Russell
The parking scheme will operate on Rugby Road in south Belfast. Picture by Hugh Russell The parking scheme will operate on Rugby Road in south Belfast. Picture by Hugh Russell

THE first residents' parking scheme in Northern Ireland has begun in south Belfast's Holylands area.

The scheme at College Park Avenue and Rugby Road provides 117 parking spaces for residents and 119 pay-and-display spaces.

Short-stay spaces on Rugby Road and a loading bay in Carmel Street have also been created to facilitate businesses and creches.

The plans were approved in November last year, but residents had expressed concern over delays in its launch.

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 to discourage vehicles from outside the area such as commuters.

Signs have been put up to alert motorists when they are entering or leaving the zone.

Additional signage also clearly identifies permit-only parking, mixed parking - permit and Pay and Display - short stay parking and loading-only bays.

Motorists who park without a valid permit or pay and display ticket may be subject to a penalty charge notice.

Kevin Monaghan, Department for Infrastructure (DfI) divisional roads manager, said there was overwhelming support from residents who were finding it increasingly difficult to park outside their homes and businesses during the day.

"The department has listened to these views and it is great to see the scheme reach fruition and become operational today. I would ask non-residents to respect the allotted residents’ parking spaces and make alternative arrangements," he said.