AQW 43540/22-27

Mr Brian Kingston
Democratic Unionist Party
North Belfast

Tabled Date: 31/03/2026
Answered On Date: 15/04/2026
Priority Written: Yes

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail her Department's policy on the long-term parking of caravans on the carriageway of residential streets, particularly where this is causing a safety hazard for drivers.

Answer:

My Department recognises the concern that long-term parking of caravans on residential streets can reduce visibility, create obstruction and present a risk to road users, particularly at junctions, bends and on narrow carriageways.

There is no blanket prohibition on parking a caravan on a public road; however, any vehicle parked on the public road must comply with enforceable parking restrictions in place at that location (for example, restrictions introduced through traffic regulation orders). Caravans attached to vehicles and/or displaying a Vehicle Registration Mark (VRM) are classed as motor vehicles and subject to any parking restrictions that may be in force. Where such restrictions apply, my Department can take enforcement action.

Article 91 of the Roads (NI) Order 1993 makes it an offence, without reasonable excuse, to encamp on a road (including with a caravan). Caravans parked between sunset and sunrise must comply with the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations (NI) 2000 (Regulation 27), and must not cause unnecessary obstruction (Regulation 119 of the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations (NI) 1999).

Concerns that the position of a caravan is causing a danger, or is obstructing the road, should be reported to the PSNI who have the appropriate powers to address dangerous or obstructive parking.