Publication of Penalty Charge Notice Statistics January to March 2018

The Penalty Charge Notice Statistics January to March 2018 report is now available.

This report presents data on Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued during January to March 2018 for vehicles found to be parked in contravention of parking restrictions and vehicles detected driving in contravention of bus lanes.  This report is produced by the Analysis, Statistics and Research Branch (ASRB) of the Department for Infrastructure (DfI).  The publication is available on the ASRB website at:

• https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/articles/penalty-charge-notice-statistics

Key Points

The key points from the report are:

During January to March 2018

• On-street parking: 24,154 PCNs were issued of which almost half (46%) were issued in Belfast.
• Off-street parking: 9,129 PCNs were issued. This ranged from a high of 1,194 (13%) in Fermanagh and Omagh Council to a low of 195 (2%) in Antrim and Newtownabbey Council.
• Bus lanes and bus-only streets: 5,208 PCNs were issued for moving traffic offences in Greater Belfast. Over three quarters (76%) of these contraventions occurred at three locations: Great Victoria Street (32%), Donegall Square East (29%) and College Square East (15%).

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, allows 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.

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: http://www.statisticsauthority.gov.uk/assessment/code-of-practice/index.html

Further Information

For further information please contact:

• Tel (public enquiries): 028 9054 0865 (Text relay prefix 18001)
• E-mail: ASRB@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk
• Website: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/topics/dfi-statistics-and-research

2. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office on 028 9054 0007 or email: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974383.

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