AQW 5715/17-22

Mr Andrew Muir
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 10/07/2020
Answered On Date: 27/07/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether consideration will be given to updating the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, in light of the Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee May 2020 recommendations concerning pavement café licensing.

Answer:

The Licensing of Pavement Cafés Act (Northern Ireland) 2014 empowers District Councils to manage Pavement Café requests. The Department for Communities (DfC) has published guidelines to assist district councils with the implementation of this statutory licensing scheme, however my Department takes an active role and is a key partner in that process.

Within the DfC guidance it is recognised that there are many factors that need to be taken into account when considering the potential for pavement cafes with traffic volumes and footfall being key considerations as well as the type of premises and facilities available. Minimum standards are identified within the DfC guidelines and I have suggested to Councils that when considering individual sites, solutions need to be developed that best meets the needs of the various stakeholders, including IMTAC and other disability groups, to ensure their concerns are taken into account.

To help with the evaluation of each site my Department has drafted further, more detailed guidance on the siting of pavement cafes on our streets and this has drawn upon various sources of guidance, including the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges and Inclusive Mobility, which is the Department for Transport guide to best practice on making transport accessible for passengers and pedestrians. My Department is currently in the process of finalising this guidance including statutory S75 Equality considerations.

I welcome the interest of IMTAC in the design of pavement cafés and fully appreciate the concerns raised. I have emphasised to Councils the need to consider the needs of all groups, including those with visual and mobility difficulties, when considering proposals for pavement cafes.