New Carrickfergus town centre waiting restrictions proposed, councillors told

Double yellow lines are to be put in place at the top of North Street.

The borough council has been informed by the Department for Infrastructure that waiting restrictions will apply at the “turning end” of North Street as vehicles parking in the vicinity are causing an obstruction.

A survey among traders carried out by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council after lockdown found that 78 per cent considered pedestrian access to be good or very good, traffic enforcement, 56 per cent and disability access, 51 per cent. Parking was described as poor by 49 per cent, loading bays, 41 per cent and taxi ranks, 29 per cent.

Respondents most wanted to change free parking, 22 per cent; more spaces for disabled drivers, 10 per cent; parking outside shops and businesses, eight per cent and loading/unloading and access for businesses outside shops, eight per cent. Read more

Carrickfergus Castle Councillor Cheryl Brownlee said that parking has always been an issue in the town centre and she indicated a number of car parks in close proximity.

However, she acknowledged that people with disability may need to park closer and she underlined the need to “strike a balance” between safety and accessibility for traders and disabled visitors.

She also commented on a “good relationship” with parking attendants in the town centre, whom she said, are willing to communicate with motorists.

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter