Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has confirmed she will introduce new legislation to tackle inconsiderate pavement parking across Northern Ireland.

The proposed measures aim to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility by banning parking wholly on pavements, blocking dropped kerbs, and double parking.

Minister Kimmins highlighted the dangers caused by vehicles obstructing footways, noting that such behaviour poses a particular risk to vulnerable groups including people with disabilities, older people, children, and those with prams.

She said: "Inconsiderate pavement parking has a significant adverse impact in many areas across the north. Unfortunately, too many drivers fail to realise the consequences of their actions when their vehicle blocks the footway.

"A vehicle parked fully on a pavement creates serious and often dangerous barriers for pedestrians, forcing people to step out onto the road into oncoming traffic. This poses a safety risk particularly for people with disabilities, older people, children and people pushing prams. "My department has been exploring a number of options that could be taken forward as positive measures to address inconsiderate pavement parking. I am pleased to confirm that I intend to bring forward legislation which will ban parking wholly on a pavement; parking across dropped kerbs for pedestrian access; and double parking.

"This will complement the steps that we have already taken to address the ongoing issue of inconsiderate pavement parking including introducing legislation to prohibit parking on footways alongside bus lanes, bus stops, mandatory cycle lanes and mandatory 'School Keep Clear' markings and encouraging parking compliance across the road network through the promotion of the 'think before you park' initiative.

"My officials will now take forward work to develop the necessary secondary legislation to introduce these new measures.

"I would once again remind all drivers of the importance of parking responsibly and legally, and to consider the potential negative impact of their actions on other road, footway, and cycle lane users."