“Whatever way our legislation is written at present…one objection and that’s it the yellow lines cannot go in.”
Stormont is being urged to review its double yellow line policy amid a Lisburn residential dispute that could affect all cul-de-sacs in Northern Ireland.
Concerns have been raised over the potential for a single person being able to virtually hold road safety to ransom despite “99.9%” of residents supporting the measures.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council is now seeking to meet with Department of Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins to resolve the parking matters.
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In chambers, Lisburn North DUP councillor Jonathan Craig said: ”I find this very unfortunate as all the Lisburn North councillors in the past have met with DfI on this issue and there were promises made to us of double yellow lines being put into a local cul de sac.
“Now, I had a very interesting phone call from DfI themselves on this a couple of weeks ago, it turns out that one individual didn’t want these double yellow lines.
“Whatever way our legislation is written at present…one objection and that’s it the yellow lines cannot go in. I would ask the council to write to the minister to review the legislation.
“I just find it remarkable as it might mean that 99.9% of individuals asked actually agree with the yellow lines going in, but just one objection and it doesn’t go ahead.
“That does not seem fair to me.”
Double yellow lines are painted along the road side to prohibit parking at any time, though there are some expectations for emergency vehicles, disabled badge holders and deliveries.
The current road safety legislation has been criticised as “remarkable” in comparison to council requirements for Irish language signage being on a different scale.
Councillor Craig added: ”If you look at other issues, such as if you want an Irish language plate up, there you have Belfast City Council having 15% of people saying yes to it can have it agreed.
“Yet, as something as serious as this road safety issue, you can have one individual objecting and it doesn’t happen. That is absolutely remarkable.”
Lisburn North Alliance councillor Nicola Parker added: ”I would like to second the proposal.
“I think this is an issue everybody in our area is aware of having spoken to the residents over the last three to four years, it is absolutely an issue for DfI to try to resolve.”
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