Speaking to Road Service officials during a meeting of Armagh City and District Council’s Public Services Committee Cllr Haughey welcomed waiting restrictions for the Mowhan Road during mart-opening hours on a Tuesday. However the SDLP councillor expressed concern that this wouldn’t be enough to resolve the serious parking problem in Markethill, and in particular expressed concern that these waiting restrictions could add to the already congested Seaboughan Road, up the side of Hunters Supermarket. She has asked Road Service to find a real and lasting solution to this problem.
Cllr Haughey said, “The parking problems facing residents in Markethill are well known as I have raised ongoing problems on numerous occasions in this council. There are a number of key issues surrounding this ongoing problem, namely the negative impact on local businesses when customers can’t find parking spaces in Markethill and instead drive through the town to head onto Armagh for shopping. There is also the congestion problem which has a major impact on residents, especially during mart days. Mothers have reported to me that they are unable to push their pushchairs up and down Seaboughan road because of mart vehicles parked on the road. Families are concerned about the safety of children and elderly people as vehicles park on pathways and pedestrians are forced to walk on the road.
“This issue has been a long-running one and really needs resolution. I urge Road Service to liaise with local businesses, residents and customers to the town to work out a solution.
“There are many differing views about what needs to be put in place to resolve the ongoing parking problems but that is no reason to do nothing. It is very important that measures are put in place to offer better parking provision and also that drivers are made aware of the importance of using car parks and to respect local residents and local people.”
ENDS