Key areas of Belfast where drivers have been fined for pavement parking in first year of crackdown

Over 300 fines have been issued to Northern Ireland's drivers for pavement parking since a new crackdown was introduced just over a year ago.

The new restrictions came into force on November 3rd 2023 and were designed to crack down on the problem of pavement parking.

The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) said the new parking restrictions would help to address this issue by prohibiting parking wholly or partly on a footway at a number of specific locations. But DfI has acknowledged that "inconsiderate pavement parking is an ongoing issue" across Northern Ireland.

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They prohibit vehicles from waiting on a footway adjacent to a bus lane, bus stop, bus stand, mandatory cycle lane or mandatory school keep clears.

At the time, drivers in Northern Ireland were urged to ‘Think Before You Park’ ahead of the introduction of new parking restrictions or they could face a fine.

All vehicles found to be in breach of the new restrictions will receive a £90 Penalty Charge Notice, discounted to £45 if paid within 14 days.

Drivers are required to abide by the new rules and show consideration at all times when parking to ensure they are not causing an obstruction and inconvenience to others.

But according to figures obtained by Belfast Live through a Freedom of Information request, 315 PCNs have been issued for pavement parking at over 30 locations across Belfast since last November.

The highest number was 84 on the Falls Road followed by 75 on Queen Street, 20 on the Andersonstown Road, 16 on the Antrim Road and 13 on College Avenue.

Location PCN totals across Belfast

A Dfi spokesperson said: "The Department treats vehicles parked in contravention of parking restrictions very seriously with Traffic Attendants employed across Northern Ireland to help keep traffic moving freely and safely.

"Parking on pavements is a particular area of concern. Drivers often mistakenly think they are doing the right thing by keeping the road clear but fail to consider the needs of people on the footway causing them inconvenience and often putting them in danger.

"This is a particular risk for people with disabilities, older people, children, and people pushing prams who may have to go onto the road to get around the parked cars."

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