Northern Ireland drivers could face fines under new pavement parking rules

Drivers in Northern Ireland are being urged to ‘Think Before You Park’ as new parking restrictions come into force.

The new rules, set by the Department for Infrastructure aim to crack down on the problem of pavement parking.

It is hoped the restrictions will help to address this issue by prohibiting parking wholly or partly on a footway at a number of specific locations.

This includes pavements adjacent to:

• a bus lane;

• the limits of any bus stop in a lay-by or any bus stop as delineated by markings on the carriageway at any time;

• the limits of any bus stand in a lay-by or any bus stand as delineated by markings on the carriageway at any time;

• the limits of any mandatory cycle lane as delineated by markings on the carriageway at any time; and

• the limits of any mandatory school keep clear as delineated by markings on the carriageway at any time.

The Rule also revokes and re-enacts existing prohibitions on footways.

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

• parking
• fine
• pavement parking