New Considerate Parking Campaign Highlights Impact of Everyday Parking Choices

A new Considerate Parking Campaign has been launched across Ards and North Down to highlight how small parking decisions can significantly affect others' daily lives. The campaign is community-led, created by those most affected - with support from the Council. 

At the heart of the campaign is its powerful strapline: "You have a choice - we don't." 

This message highlights that while many people are not impacted by where they park, others - such as older people, wheelchair users, parents with prams, and individuals with visual or mobility impairments, may face real challenges. 

Importantly, the campaign is not about blame, but about building awareness, empathy, and shared responsibility. 

Developed through a collaborative co-design process, the campaign draws directly on the lived experiences of members of the Over 50s Council and Disability Forum. These advisory groups work with the Council to highlight and address issues affecting older people and those with disabilities. 

The campaign includes a short video featuring lived experiences from members of the Disability Forum and Over 50s Council and a range of visual materials for social media and print, highlighting real-life scenarios showing the everyday impact of inconsiderate parking. 

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Craig Blaney, said: 
"The Considerate Parking video and posters bring the message to life in a very real and relatable way. Knowing this has been created for Ards and North Down, by people who live here, makes it all the more impactful." 

A representative from the Over 50s Council and Disability Forum added:  
"This campaign isn't about pointing fingers; it's about helping people see things from our perspective. A little more awareness can help make our Borough more accessible for everyone." 

The campaign supports the Council's ongoing commitment to building inclusive, age-friendly communities, ensuring public spaces - particularly footpaths, drop kerbs and crossings areas are safe and accessible for all. 

Under the Borough's Community Plan, the Welcoming Spaces priority brings together partners and community groups to create environments where people of all ages and abilities can participate fully in everyday life. 

For more information about the Considerate Parking Campaign, visit  
https://www.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/considerate-parking