Double yellow lines may not solve Omagh congestion, minister says

THE Infrastructure Minister has warned installing double yellow lines may not stop the long-running traffic problems outside an Omagh school.

For many years, there have been concerns about the daily congestion around St Conor’s Primary School at Brookmount Road.

Despite the concerns, the Education Minister has ruled out a new car park beside the school due to budget constraints.

In a new development, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has invited officials and councillors from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to meet with her officials to discuss the extent of parking restrictions in the area.

However, in a letter to the local council, which will be presented at its monthly meeting this evening, Ms Kimmins said any form of parking restriction on a public road requires legislation, advertisement and public consultation, which ‘may take some time to implement’.

“Initial consultation will need to be held with the residents and the school to establish the extent of any restrictions and to gauge public support for the proposals.

“It is worth noting that while double yellow lines outside the school entrance may stop parking in the immediate vicinity of the school, they may move the problem elsewhere and further into nearby streets and residential areas.

“I would caution that double yellow lines along are unlikely to stop illegal parking unless they are actively enforced by traffic wardens or the PSNI.”