Review of parking enforcement deployment underway

A review of parking enforcement deployment is being undertaken across the north.

The review will consider effectiveness of deployment and the number of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) / Warning Notices issued and the number of Vehicle Drive Aways (VDAs) recorded.

Commenting on the review, Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard said: 

“My priority as Minister is to ensure the free flow of traffic in towns and cities across the north.  In order to maximise effectiveness and efficiency Traffic Attendants are deployed to those places where they will have the most impact upon road safety and traffic progression.

“Any town that was routinely enforced and generated less than 10 PCNs/VDAs on average per month will be removed from the schedule for routine traffic attendant deployment.

“The review has been completed in TransportNI’s Southern Division and a number of towns have been removed from scheduled enforcement. The same criteria will now be applied in the Northern, Western and Eastern Divisions.  The Department will continue to visit all towns, including those removed from regular deployment, when need arises or when requested and resources are available.”

Commenting on the recent deployment of Traffic Attendants in Coalisland, Minister Hazzard concluded: 

“Following representations to my Department to commence scheduled parking enforcement in Coalisland, a trial was established to ascertain if scheduled routine enforcement is necessary. During the trial, which ran from August to December 2016, two warning notices were issued.  This trial has now ended and on the basis of efficient and effective use of resources, Coalisland will not have routine scheduled enforcement.”

Notes to editors: 

1. In determining where Traffic Attendants are deployed the following factors are taken into account:

• the length of parking restrictions,
• the number of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) / Warning Notices issued, and 
• the number of Vehicle Drive Aways (VDAs) recorded on a monthly basis.

2. Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) / Warning Notices are issued when vehicles are found to be parked in contravention of waiting restrictions. A penalty charge is £90, reduced to £45 if paid within 14 days.
3. Vehicle Drive Away (VDA) is recorded when a vehicle is found to be in contravention of restrictions and the vehicle is driven away whilst a PCN is in the process of being issued.
4. In Southern Division the following towns have been removed from the schedule: Dromore, Rathfriland, Gilford, Tandragee, Crossgar, Richill and Dunmurry.
5. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office on 028 9054 0007. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974 383.
6. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra

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