To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what plans are in place to ensure that there are sufficient numbers of traffic attendants at popular outdoor destinations to prevent unsafe parking in contravention to present parking restrictions.

During the first lockdown it was evident that some drivers took advantage of the absence of Traffic Attendants, as there were instances of hazardous and irresponsible parking, some of which compromised road safety and impacted on traffic progression. Due to the reduced traffic volumes using our roads, I took the decision to scale back the parking enforcement service during this difficult time. However, Parking restrictions remain in place, and a small team of Traffic Attendants continue to be deployed on a priority basis to locations where they can contribute most to road safety and traffic progression. I can assure you that there is flexibility in the Department’s approach and if required the number of Traffic Attendants can be increased.