The University of Ulster, Queen’s University and the South Belfast Partnership Board have teamed up to organise a conference focusing on options for the introduction of residents’ car parking schemes in south Belfast.

Pressure on car parking space in South Belfast has been a major issue for residents, businesses students and political representatives for some time, and it is in response to local concern that Monday night’s event was organised.

University of Ulster Community Relations Manager Anne Monaghan, who has studied resident-only parking schemes in other university cities across the UK, said: “Communities are being put under increasing stress due to increased levels of commuter parking, and the partners have come together to assess local needs and find appropriate solutions to the problem.

“There is a great need for residents-only parking arrangement in the south Belfast area – but we must be sure that we get the right kind of scheme for each area.”

Professor Gerry McCormac, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Community and Communications at Queen's, added: "The University is delighted to not only support this initiative but to play an active role in helping resolve the issue. It is through partnership that a successful outcome can be attained and Queen's will work towards achieving this goal."

New legislation which will permit the introduction of resident-only parking schemes in Northern Ireland is to come into force this summer.

The outcome of the event will feed into the consultation process for the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan.

(MB/SP)