CONCERNS have been raised about cars being ‘locked in’ at Ballyholme’s popular beach car park by automated anti-social behaviour bollards.
Independent councillor Tom Brady said he had been made aware of a number of motorists who have returned to their vehicles, only to find they were trapped in the Banks Lane car park after they missed the 11pm curfew.
The automated bollards at Banks Lane were installed in 2024 following extensive lobbying from local residents. The bollards installation cost was around £50,000.
In a bid to crack down on anti-social behaviour at the car park, the bollards are raised at the 11pm to prevent groups gathering at the beach front area, which is surrounded by residential housing.
It is understood complaints were also made about vehicles congregating, as motorists left their engines running, revved their engines, engaged in wheel spinning and played loud music.
A council spokeswoman said that ‘clear signage is in place within the car park to inform users about the bollards and their operating times’. However the council official said they were ‘aware that some users still miss these signs and officers are currently reviewing options to improve the visibility and effectiveness of the signage’.
Mr Brady says he is keen to gauge public opinion on just how many people have found themselves blocked in the car park by the bollards.
“The council implemented a new policy for Banks Lane car park to reduce antisocial behaviour by installing automatically raising bollards which close the car park at 11pm,” said Mr Brady.
“But this has introduced an unintended consequence for people, especially during the summer, whose cars are being locked in with no recourse if they lose track of time or return after 11pm for whatever reason.”
Mr Brady went on to say: “I’m asking for the public to have their say, how prevalent is this problem? And have the bollards had the desired impact on antisocial behaviour?
“The council has improved the visibility of signage warning people that the car park will close at 11pm in an effort to solve the problem but has this solution been effective in mitigating it?”
To share your views with Mr Brady, please email: tom.brady@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk.
