Residents in Bangor are calling for an end to years of parking misery caused by daily train commuters.
Those living in the Bangor West, Carnalea, Helen's Bay and Seahill areas have long had to endure people parking outside their homes all day while they catch the train to work in Belfast.
While there is a Park and Ride scheme in operation directly opposite Bangor Train Station in the town centre and at nearby Dufferin Avenue, demand outstrips supply and it is an increasing problem faced by the residents in these areas.
One resident, who lives close to Bangor West train station, told Belfast Live : "For some people it's just not possible to park in Bangor town centre to catch the train because it's so busy so they park out here instead and they come from miles around to do so.
"It's got so bad for those living in Westburn Crescent that even the bin lorry can't get down the street because of all commuters parking there.
"Even an emergency vehicle would struggle to get through most days, that's how bad things have got. Yes more people working from home has helped because pre-pandemic it was horrendous.
"But it's still very busy and it will only get worse once more people start returning to offices. It has been a long running saga in this area and it needs sorted. I think more people would actually take the train if they had more park and ride options available to them around Bangor."
Those living in Helen's Bay are faced with an even bigger problem during the spring bank holidays and summer months when visitor numbers to the area dramatically increase.
This results in residents facing gridlock parking, which often restricts access to driveways, and growing traffic management issues.
Ulster Unionist North Down MLA candidate Naomi McBurney has written to the Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon to seek a solution for the parking misery faced by residents in these areas.
Ms McBurney said: "I've been engaging with residents and they have had enough. They want a solution to the parking problems. This has been a growing problem over many years with few solutions offered.
"Commuters and visitors are often inconsiderate in their parking and the problem needs to be addressed."
She pointed out that Bangor town centre has been suffering for many years with lower Main Street particularly impacted by a steady stream of retailers closing their doors.
"Covid has had a major impact upon the town and the stalled Queen's Parade development continues to drag on despite planning permission being granted by the council's Planning Committee," she added.
Ms McBurney continued: "With these two problems in mind I have written to Nichola Mallon to request she engages with Council Officers to undertake a feasibility study into utilising the Flagship Centre multi-storey car park as a Park and Ride scheme.
"If an agreement can be reached with the current owner of the Flagship Centre, not only is there potential for an increase in the much needed footfall to the town centre, but residents in the areas plagued by commuter and visitor car parking could have their burden eased."
Last August, it was announced that Bangor man Ricky McLarnon and his local company Brookland Property would take possession of the 157,000sq ft Flagship Centre on Main Street and 430 space car park with immediate effect.
Mr McLarnon said his first priority would be to get the Flagship's carpark back in use as soon as possible and he would be making an innovative proposal to Ards and North Down Borough Council.
Ms McBurney added: "High Street has enjoyed a recent boost with a number of independent shops opening up within the past couple of years. These businesses have taken a risk and they deserve to succeed.
"We need to do all we can to support all businesses in the town.
"A Park and Ride scheme in the town centre that increases capacity in the busier summer months would be a fantastic boost to the shops, restaurants and cafes in the town.
"I would urge the Minister and Ards and North Down Regeneration Officers to give the feasibility study serious consideration."
A Department for Infrastructure (DfI) spokesperson said: “Popular local areas of interest such as Helen's Bay have limited parking opportunities and therefore significant increases in visitor numbers will lead to the available capacity being exceeded which in turn can cause traffic progression and road safety issues on the network.
“ To help address some of the issues, the Department has introduced waiting restrictions, indicated by double yellow lines, to facilitate traffic progression while seeking to improve road safety for all road users in this area.
“The residential streets along the popular rail route and in the vicinity of Bangor West, Carnalea, Helen's Bay and Seahill areas have been previously assessed, and it was concluded that there are parking restrictions where necessary.
“If these restrictions are respected, then traffic can flow, albeit slowly at peak times as there are lots of vehicles using the network. The Department is working with others to assist in the management of high visitor numbers to these areas, and targeted parking enforcement will continue, however the capacity constraints of the Traffic Attendants does need to be recognised.
“ For clarity, inconsiderate parking causing an obstruction is an offence that should be brought to the attention of the PSNI on their non-emergency number telephone 101, as they have the authority to take enforcement action.
“Recently, Minister Mallon launched a consultation exercise on options to seek the views of the public on inconsiderate pavement parking, to help determine the need for more effective legislation in this area.
“The Department has completed a review of residents’ parking and a report on this work, which will inform the future policy for such schemes for the benefit of communities, will be made public shortly.
“Regarding Park and Ride, the Department continues to work closely with Translink and Council planners to consider operational requirements for the site to ensure it forms part of the Department’s green recovery plan to change the way we travel, and help protect our environment.”
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