To ask the Minister for Infrastructure with reference to her plans to introduce legislation to tackle inconsiderate pavement parking, to detail any additional actions she is taking to tackle situations where cars are parked in such a way that other road users' sightlines are blocked and roads are left too narrow for delivery vans and bin lorries to pass.

The proposed ban on parking a vehicle wholly on the footway, parking across dropped kerbs, and double parking represents the most practical and effective way to address inconsiderate pavement parking at this stage, considering feasibility, enforcement considerations and legislative vires. My intention is to introduce these changes in the latter part of 2026, subject to the legislative process.

My Department works collaboratively with others to address particular problem areas that are brought to our attention. For example, my Department has worked with Belfast City Council and the PSNI on the “Park with us in mind” initiative which targeted hotspots where council waste collection vehicles were often unable to gain access to areas due to poor, inconsiderate or illegal parking. While this joint approach has helped alleviate issues in the short term, the new legislation will provide a more consistent and robust framework for tackling inconsiderate pavement parking across the North.

These measures together with the already‑introduced Article 8 of the Footpaths (Prohibition of Parking) Order 2023, will further support efforts to tackle inconsiderate pavement parking across the North, making streets safer and more accessible, particularly for disabled people, older citizens and those with prams.

My Department currently has the authority to issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) where a vehicle is observed parked on a legislated restriction, such as double yellow lines. Enforcement schedules remain flexible and, where resources permit, can be adjusted. If additional enforcement is required, my parking enforcement team can be contacted at Parking.Request@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.

However, my Department cannot take enforcement action where a vehicle is parked on a pavement causing an obstruction, but no parking restrictions are marked on the carriageway. In such cases, responsibility lies with the PSNI.