Publication of Penalty Charge Notice Statistics 2015 and 2016

The Penalty Charge Notice Statistics 2015 and 2016 report is now available.

This report presents data on Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued in Northern Ireland in 2015 and 2016 for vehicles found to be parked in contravention of parking restrictions and vehicles detected driving in contravention of bus lanes. 

This is the first such report produced by the Analysis, Statistics and Research Branch (ASRB) of the Department for Infrastructure (DfI). The publication is available on the ASRB website at: Penalty Charge Notice Statistics

Key points

2015

• On-street parking: 76,154 PCNs were issued in Northern Ireland of which more than two-fifths (43%) were issued in Belfast.
• Off-street parking: 32,413 PCNs were issued in Northern Ireland. This ranged from a high of 4,370 (13%) in Fermanagh and Omagh Council to a low of 759 (2%) in Antrim and Newtownabbey Council.
• Bus lanes and bus-only streets: From 22nd June to 31st December 2015, 32,254 PCNs were issued for moving traffic offences in Greater Belfast.  Just over two-fifths (41%) of these contraventions occurred on Donegall Square East, almost a third (30%) on Castle Street and approximately a seventh (15%) on Great Victoria Street.

2016

• On-street parking: 84,876  PCNs were issued in Northern Ireland, an increase of 11% from 2015. In 2016, just over two-fifths (41%) were issued in Belfast.
• Off-street parking: 36,041 PCNs were issued in Northern Ireland, an increase of 11% from 2015. In 2016, this ranged from a high of 4,595 (13%) in Fermanagh and Omagh Council to a low of 690 (2%) in Antrim and Newtownabbey Council.
• Bus lanes and bus-only streets: 27,911 PCNs were issued for moving traffic offences in Greater Belfast.  Just over a quarter (26%) of these contraventions occurred on Donegall Square East, under a fifth (18%) where on Great Victoria Street, approximately a sixth (16%) on Castle Street and an eighth (13%) on College Square East.

Notes to editors: 

1.  Background

Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), more commonly known as parking tickets, are issued for vehicles found to be parked in contravention of on-street and off-street parking restrictions and also for vehicles detected driving in bus lanes and bus-only streets (moving traffic offences).

The aim of parking and bus lane enforcement is to reduce the number of vehicles illegally parked on our roads or driving in bus lanes or other bus priority measures.  This in turn reduces traffic congestion and helps traffic to flow more freely, assists delivery vehicles, helps buses to keep to their timetable and improves bus journey times, improves road safety and provides accessibility for all road users, including Blue Badge holders.

The enforcement of on-street limited waiting and pay and display spaces, Park and Ride charged car parks and Council operated car parks also encourages a turnover of parking spaces, giving shoppers and visitors more opportunities to find suitable parking.

2.  Official Statistics

This is an Official Statistics publication and therefore follows the Code of Practice for Official Statistics.  You can find further information about the Code of Practice at: Statistics Authority

3.  Further Information

For further information please contact:

• Telephone (public enquiries): 028 9054 0313 (Text relay prefix 18001)
• E-mail: ASRB@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk
• Website: DfI Statistics and Research

4. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office on 028 9054 0007 or e-mail: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974 383 and your call will be returned.

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