Double-yellows cause confusion in Dunluce Street

New parking measures were introduced at Dunluce Street in response to numerous complaints from local business owners, who were frustrated by motorists parking outside their premises for the duration of the working day.

There are now double yellow lines on both sides of the street along with six new parking bays, and signs have been erected to inform drivers that vehicles can only be parked in the bays for one out of every two hours.

But a number of traders and shoppers have told the Times they are unclear whether drivers are permitted stop on the double yellow lines for loading or unloading purposes.

In an effort to clear up the confusion, the Times contacted Roads Service to find out the official policy that traffic attendants are bound by, and we received the following information: “Double yellow lines means no waiting at any time.

“There is no need for a sign with these lines as they apply all the time.

“Loading and unloading is permitted on this restriction.”

However, a number of anomalies have been encountered that seem to contradict this policy, and have further muddied the waters for traders and shoppers.

One shop owner told the Times: “Before last week, customers used to park outside my shop while they ran in to pick something up, but now they are scared to do that in case they get a ticket. I have asked the traffic warden about this, and they told me it was OK for someone to wait on the double yellow lines if they are just nipping in to pick something up or drop it off.”

Another trader added: “The rules regarding waiting on double yellow lines need to be made clear to people, otherwise they may avoid the street and shop elsewhere.”

Larne Town Councillor Drew Niblock said he had also asked a local traffic warden to clarify the situation.

“I have been informed that people can stop on the double yellow lines to load or unload, as long as they are not causing an obstruction to traffic or posing a safety risk.