To ask the Minister for Regional Development whether her Department will undertake more robust measures to tackle the flouting of the pedestrian precinct rules by drivers on North Street and West Street in Carrickfergus.

I am aware that a relatively low number of Penalty Charge notices have been issued on both streets. However, pedestrian permits issued for Carrickfergus Pedestrian Zone might give the impression to the public that vehicles are parking in contravention. In addition, vehicles loading/ unloading in these locations would be permitted as long as drivers remain within the appropriate observation times.

Both locations form part of a wider route patrolled by Traffic Attendants and therefore cannot receive permanent attention. The current daily frequency for Traffic Attendants at both North Street and West Street is a minimum of four visits per day. However, my Department will examine the possibility of providing additional visits by Traffic Attendants from the Parking Enforcement Mobile Unit.

I should also advise that Moving Traffic offences, which may be contributing to the overall problem, cannot be enforced by NSL. This would be an issue for the PSNI.