Since NCP Services started enforcing restrictions on behalf of DRD 143,564 tickets were given out between 13 November 2006 and 30 September 2007. Also, for two weeks prior to 13 November 5,035 warning notices were issued to illegally parked vehicles. These warning notices formed part of the public awareness campaign to highlight the introduction of the new enforcement operation.
Simon Richardson, DRD's Road Service Parking Enforcement Manager, said: " We have had several requests from the public regarding the number of parking tickets issued since Roads Service took control in October last year and we are happy to openly provide these figures. We realise some people still believe that Traffic Attendants have ticket targets and get paid bonuses for issuing more tickets, I can assure you this is not the case.
"We have nothing to hide regarding ticket numbers and the only reason tickets are issued is because drivers continue to park illegally. Our aim is not to issue tickets but rather to encourage people to park properly.
"Illegal parking causes disruption to traffic, and sometimes poses a safety threat to road users. It can also cause major difficulties for blue badge holders and delivery drivers trying to deliver their goods. I would therefore encourage all drivers to be aware of the parking restrictions and abide by them at all times.
Commenting on the fact that the new enforcement operation will be 1 year old on 30th October, Mr Richardson said: "We want to continue to be open and transparent about all aspects of civil parking enforcement and we will to publish an annual report detailing facts and figures relating to the first year of the Roads Service operation."
Breakdown of tickets issued per town for period 13/11/06 - 30/9/07
| Town | No. of tickets issued |
|---|---|
| Belfast | 38,001 |
| Londonderry | 17,245 |
| Newry | 5,807 |
| Lisburn | 4779 |
| Armagh | 3348 |
| Downpatrick | 2189 |
| Enniskillen | 9108 |
| Coleraine | 4604 |
| Omagh | 6068 |
| Cookstown | 2276 |
| Dungannon | 2884 |
| Portadown | 4742 |
| Magherafelt | 2979 |
| Limavady | 1652 |
| Strabane | 4170 |
| Banbridge | 1902 |
| Larne | 928 |
| Lurgan | 3337 |
| Ballymena | 5531 |
| Ballymoney | 1953 |
| Bangor | 3955 |
| Newtownards | 2996 |
| Antrim | 2389 |
| Carrickfergus | 2556 |
| Newtownabbey | 1133 |
| Newcastle | 913 |
| Portrush | 910 |
| Portstewart | 807 |
| Ballyclare | 780 |
Notes to Editors:
- DRD took over responsibility for the enforcement of on-street parking and waiting restrictions from the Police Service of Northern Ireland on 30 October 2006.
- In 2001 the PSNI stated its intention to withdraw fully from such enforcement to target resources on areas of greater policing priority, including tasks related to road safety.
- The PSNI and Roads Service have been working in partnership since 2002 to take forward the process of changing parking infringements from being criminal offences to civil contraventions.
- From August to October 2003 the Department carried out public consultation on the proposals to decriminalise parking enforcement in Northern Ireland. The public consultation also set out the Department's intention to take powers to use advances in technology to assist in enforcement and to take powers to clamp or impound vehicles in certain circumstances. The proposals received general support.
- The report on the public consultation on the proposals to decriminalise parking offences can be viewed on the Roads Service website by clicking on the 'consultations' link at www.roadsni.gov.uk.
- From March to May 2005 the Department carried out a public consultation on the draft Traffic Management (NI) Order, to provide the primary legislative power to introduce decriminalised parking enforcement, DPE, in Northern Ireland. In July 2005 the Traffic Management (NI) Order 2005 was made in Parliament.
- The penalty charge for a parking ticket is £60 reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days of receiving the ticket. This £30 level is the same as a fixed penalty notice previously issued by the PSNI for parking offences.
- Following a rigorous procurement exercise National Car Parks Ltd was awarded the contract to provide parking enforcement and car park management services on 18 August 2006.
- The new Traffic Attendants only enforce parking and waiting restrictions. They do not have any responsibility for directing traffic. Responsibility for traffic direction remains with the PSNI.
- Media queries to: Emma Flynn Davies, Department for Regional Development Press Office, Tel 028 9054 0007. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer on pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
