Calls to review disabled bays

At a recent meeting of the committee, Councillor John Palmer asked the committee to write to Roads Service, urging them to increase the number of bays, particularly in the vicinity of the Bow Street Mall.

Mr Palmer said that following the introduction of double yellow lines in Chapel Hill, there were fewer places available for disabled people to park.

Councillor James Baird also asked for a review of the spaces available in the vicinity of the Health Centre on Linenhall Street.

Mr Baird said there was a great need for disabled parking bays to be introduced outside the Health Centre to allow for elderly and disabled patients to gain easier access to the facilities at the Health Centre.

“There are three bays close to the centre that could become either disabled spaces or dropping off zones,” said Mr Baird.

A spokesperson for Roads Service said they did not currently have plans to review the disabled parking bays in Lisburn City Centre.

She said that to date a request for a review had not been received from Lisburn City Council. However, she added that if a request was received, the Roads Service would give it due consideration.

“At present, there are no plans to provide additional disabled parking bays,” said the spokesperson for Roads Service.

“Currently disabled drivers can use existing Pay & Display parking bays all day, free of charge and can also park on yellow lines for a maximum of three hours as long as they are not causing an obstruction.

“We provided additional disabled parking bays at our Smithfield Square and Antrim Street car parks last year.

“We have received no specific requests from Council to provide additional disabled parking bays. Roads Service would be happy to consider such a request, were it received,” she concluded.

The Roads Service have also recently revealed plans to introduce loading bays in the Bachelor’s Walk area of the city centre.

The loading bays are aimed at facilitating commercial activity in the area and assist with the safe progression of traffic. The Roads Service have proposed two new bays be installed on the busy street, as well as double yellow lines across entrances on the road.