News - NSL

The number of illegally parked vehicles on Northern Ireland's streets has fallen significantly since the Department for Regional Development (DRD) became responsible for enforcing parking restrictions in October 2006.

Surveys carried out before and after the introduction of the new system - managed on behalf of the DRD by NCP Services - show that illegal parking in a range of town centres has fallen by approx 65%. In the same period, illegal parking on main arterial routes into and out of Belfast has reduced by approx 25%.

Simon Richardson, Parking Enforcement Manager for Roads Service, said:
“It is encouraging to see more drivers observing the parking regulations. We feel our Park Properly' awareness campaign combined with consistent effective enforcement has persuaded drivers to pay attention to how they park.”

Commenting on the significant decrease in town centres, Mr Richardson said: “Since the new system began in October 2006 people have been telling us that it easier to find a parking space in their local town centre. We feel this is due to the fact that long stay parkers now realise they should not use short term parking spaces in town centres, thus, freeing up spaces for shoppers and delivery drivers.”

Referring to illegal parking on main routes, which reduced by a quarter, Mr Richardson said: "It is pleasing to see that most drivers know they should not park on main routes during peak periods. Unfortunately, some drivers are still prepared to stop for short periods during Urban Clearways times and these contraventions, however short, still add to the illegal parking numbers in these surveys.  We will continue to make motorists aware of the importance of adhering to parking restrictions at all times - in particular, during peak periods when most disruption is caused.

“The objective of the new enforcement operation is to reduce illegal parking and these surveys indicate that we have been successful in our efforts. By reducing illegal parking, congestion is reduced, safety is improved and accessibility is made easier.” Roads Service has also published the number of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued in individual towns over the last financial year.

“Our policy is to be open and transparent in relation to parking enforcement and we are happy to again publish the latest figures for ticket numbers per town," he said.

He reminded the public there are no ticket targets or bonuses for traffic attendants linked with the amount of tickets given out to cars parked illegally.

The following table lists the number of PCNs issued from 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2008.

Town PCNs Issued

Belfast 47,876
Derry 20,226
Enniskillen 9,108
Omagh 5,826
Ballymena 5,578
Lisburn 5,420
Newry 5,096
Coleraine 4,885
Bangor 4,413
Armagh 4,028
Portadown 4,022
Newtownards 3,957
Magherafelt 3,854
Strabane 3,426
Dungannon 3,314
Carrickfergus 2,862
Lurgan 2,691
Downpatrick 2,638
Cookstown 2,512
Ballymoney 2,195
Antrim 2,075
Limavady 1,886
Banbridge 1,688
Newcastle 1,460
Portrush 1,059
Holywood 977
Newtownabbey 967
Larne 896
Ballyclaren 860
Portstewart 855

Other 3,869
Total 160,519