Stewart presses case for residents-only parking on Larne street

The Ulster Unionist representative said spaces on Goodwill Terrace and Clover Terrace were often taken by non-residents.

“With the lay-bys adjacent to Quay Street being so close to Larne Main Street, they are an obvious magnet for shoppers and office workers to park in for long periods," he added.

"There is a preponderance of older people living in Goodwill and Clover Terraces, and I have heard concerns about the parking spaces being monopolised by non-residents. This includes two disabled parking spaces provided for residents. Since more people have returned to working in shops and offices, pressure has again increased on the parking in this town centre location.

“In looking into this issue I have been told that the idea of having residents-only parking on Quay Street was considered when the houses themselves were built over 20 years ago, but it never went anywhere."

Mr Stewart said he had asked the Department what policy conclusions had been drawn from a residents-only parking scheme recently piloted near Queen's University in Belfast.

“DfI requested last year that a survey was carried out to find if residents-only parking was the will of all the residents - and that has been done. The Department has been in possession of a petition for the last 12 months and it is now only fair that residents know where they stand," he added.