Drivers face new parking campaign targeting pavement obstructions and accessibility risks

Drivers have been targeted in a new parking awareness campaign in Northern Ireland, aimed at tackling the impact of inconsiderate parking on disabled people, older residents and families with young children.

The initiative, launched by Ards and North Down Borough Council in Northern Ireland, warned motorists that everyday parking decisions can create serious barriers for pedestrians.

The slogan "you have a choice - we don't" has been designed to highlight how some people can easily navigate around parked vehicles, while others, such as wheelchair users, people with visual impairments, older residents and parents with prams, may be left with no safe alternative route at all.

Council officials explained that the campaign is not about blame, but about changing behaviour through awareness initiatives.

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The campaign encourages drivers to think before they leave their vehicle, particularly when parking near footpaths, dropped kerbs and pedestrian crossings.

It has been developed through a co-design process involving local residents, including members of the Disability Forum and the Over 50s Council, both of which advise the authority on accessibility issues affecting the community.

A spokesperson involved in the project said: "This campaign isn't about pointing fingers; it's about helping people see things from our perspective. A little more awareness can help make our Borough more accessible for everyone."

As part of the rollout, a short film has been produced featuring people sharing their lived experiences of being blocked or forced into unsafe situations due to poorly parked vehicles.

The campaign also includes posters and social media materials showing real-life scenarios where inconsiderate parking has caused difficulties for pedestrians trying to get around their local area.

Councillor Craig Blaney explained the initiative stood out because it had been created by local people directly affected by the issue.

He said: "The Considerate Parking video and posters bring the message to life in a very real and relatable way. Knowing this has been created for Ards and North Down, by people who live here, makes it all the more impactful."

The council stated the campaign reflects its wider commitment to building inclusive and age-friendly communities, where public spaces are safe and accessible for everyone.

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A key focus of the new safety push would be to ensure pavements remain clear and that access points such as dropped kerbs and crossings remain unblocked by parked vehicles.

Officials said even short-term or thoughtless parking can create significant problems for people with mobility issues, forcing them into the road or longer, unsafe detours.

The initiative is also linked to the borough's wider Community Plan, which includes a "Welcoming Spaces" priority aimed at improving accessibility and encouraging participation in everyday community life.

That programme brings together public bodies and community groups to make towns and villages more accessible for people of all ages and abilities.

The campaign forms part of wider regulatory plans looking to tackle poor parking across Northern Ireland.

In November last year, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins announced plans to bring forward legislation to tackle inconsiderate pavement parking.

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."

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