Removal and clamping operation for illegally parked vehicles in Belfast
Drivers who park illegally in urban clearways and bus lanes on the main arterial routes into and out of Belfast may have their vehicles removed and clamped. As well as being issued with a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), additional charges to have the vehicle released will apply.
Background
The removal and clamping operation was announced by the former Infrastructure Minister in January 2017 and introduced in March 2018.
It is one of a number of additional measures to reduce the number of vehicles illegally parking in urban clearway routes and bus lanes in Belfast in an effort to reduce congestion and maintain the free flow of traffic at key times.
Vehicle Removal
Vehicles parked illegally may either be removed to a legal parking location in close proximity to where they were originally illegally parked and then clamped; or they may be removed to the Department’s Vehicle Pound located at 1N McKinney Road, Mallusk, Newtownabbey.
When vehicles are removed, the Department will alert the PSNI to confirm the new location of the clamped vehicle. Drivers who return to find their illegally parked vehicle missing should contact the PSNI in the first instance using the non-emergency 101 phone number. When reunited with their clamped vehicle drivers can then arrange for its release by phoning 03300 088 770 which operates between 7.00 am and 7.45 pm from Monday to Friday and between 9.00 am and midday on Saturdays. Drivers can also phone this number to enquire about vehicles taken to the Vehicle Pound.
Costs
All vehicles will receive a £90 Penalty Charge Notice, discounted to £45 if paid within 14 days. An additional £40 will be payable for the release of any vehicle which has been relocated nearby, with a charge of £105 if it has been removed to the Vehicle Pound. Unclaimed vehicles remaining at the Vehicle Pound will be charged an additional £12 per day storage rate.