Illegal parking is decreasing

The number of illegally parked vehicles on our 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 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 approximately 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 of illegal parking 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.

Notes to Editors:

• Media opportunity: Simon Richardson is available for interviews at the Stormont Hotel on Thursday 10 April at 12 Noon when he is speaking at the British Parking Association (BPA), Northern Ireland Regional meeting.   This event will also be attended by the Chief Executive of the BPA, Mr Keith Banbury, who will be speaking on current issues affecting the parking industry in other parts of the UK and how they relate to Northern Ireland. Mr Banbury will also be available for interview if required.
• The Department for Regional Development became responsible for parking enforcement on 30 October 2006. NCP Services Ltd are contracted to the Department to provide on-street parking enforcement services. The contract with NCP Services Ltd is based on a model developed by the British Parking Association.
• The British Parking Association is the recognised authority within the UK’s parking industry and the largest professional association in Europe.  Its members include local authorities, health authorities, theme parks and others with responsibilities for managing parking, as well as the organisations responsible for enforcing parking penalties.
• The BPA is dedicated to promoting and representing knowledge and standards in every type of parking facility, both on-street and off-street, and to bringing together the interests of government, local authorities and commercial organisations and the consumer.
• The British Parking Association (BPA), with the support of the Department for Transport, developed a model contract to standardise on-street parking enforcement throughout the UK, with the intention that local councils or roads authorities which adopt it can help to create greater transparency and increase confidence in the on-street parking industry. Local authorities throughout the UK can use the contract when employing an external contractor to enforce on-street parking regulations.
• Media queries on BPA to: Alison Robb on 0131 5566649
• Media queries to: Emma Flynn Davies, Press Office, Department for Regional Development, Tel 028 9054 0372. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.