Call for zero tolerance approach to illegal parking in Laois

Gardai were asked to take a ‘no tolerance’ approach to parking on paths and cycleways. 

The request was made in a submission to a recent Laois Joint Policing Committee meeting. 

A member of the public asked for confirmation of such an approach. 

“Research shows that parking on footpaths can lead to severe consequences for people with disabilities. A study by Guide Dogs UK found that almost a third of people with sight loss said that pavement parking made them less willing to go out on their own and just under a quarter said that it made them feel more lonely or isolated.” 

“Can it be confirmed that a no tolerance approach to parking on footpaths and cycle lanes is policy for An Garda Siochana in County Laois?”

“This could be such an easy win here and one which would have a big impact on the most vulnerable in our society,” they said. 

In response, Chief Superintendent Anthony Lonergan said parking laws would be enforced in the same way as any other legislation. He said Gardai are aware of the issue.  

“This year we have issued a number of relevant fixed charge notices around the issue of parking on footpaths,” he said. 

He thanked the person who had made the submission and said particularly in the run up to Christmas, the issue of illegal parking will be something gardai on patrol are conscious of. 

Public Participation Network(PPN) representative Bobby Delaney said illegal parking was a major issue in Mountmellick. 

He said two new crossings were needed in the town to help pedestrians get around. He said one was needed at Smiths Corner and the other was needed at the Credit Union.

Independent Cllr James Kelly said the actions of inconsiderate motorists had severe consequences for people with disabilities. 

“It really is down to respect from people who are driving vehicles and we see it in Mountmellick but it’s in every town,” he said. 

Cllr Kelly claimed “there is no respect because everybody wants to nearly drive into the front door of the shop if they are going in.” 

Fine Gael Cllr John King claimed people weren’t using car parks and shouldn’t be allowed to park on paths. 

Independent Cllr Ben Brennan said illegal parking was a problem across the county. He recounted a car he had seen parked in Laois recently.

 “One side of the wheel was on the yellow line and the other side was on top of the footpath, completely blocking wheelchair access,” he explained. 

Sinn Fein Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley said illegal parking was an ongoing problem and was down to driver behaviour.  “It is a big issue too with schools,” she added.

Flying the flag for Laois on mission to Europe

She said people “would literally just park on a roundabout” rather than going to a designated area.