Drivers in Northern Ireland will soon see a significant reduction in pay and display machines as the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) moves towards a cashless parking system. Currently, 279 machines operate across Belfast, Lisburn and Newry, but the DfI plans to cut this number to around 150—a reduction of 129 machines.
Modernisation Programme
The initiative aims to modernise on-street parking infrastructure by removing underused machines, reducing maintenance and cash collection costs, and improving overall efficiency. New machines will feature pay-by-plate technology, linking parking events with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) to enhance enforcement.
Councillor Mark Hawthorne, digital connectivity spokesperson for the Local Government Association (LGA), commented: "Older, legacy infrastructure ranging from parking meters and payment machines to emergency auto diallers and sensors in social housing, may need upgrading or replacing to work on new, faster 4G and 5G networks. Time is running out if we are to avoid the fallout from the big switch off."
Customer Options and Signage
Drivers will still have the choice between coin and cashless payments. Clear signage will be provided where changes occur, and new machines will have improved visibility. When a machine is removed, supplementary signs will guide customers to cashless payment options. New machines will display "Please Pay Here" signage.
The DfI stated: "The aim of the programme is to modernise on-street parking infrastructure across Belfast, Lisburn and Newry by reducing, relocating and upgrading Pay and Display machines to better reflect current usage patterns. The programme will reduce the total number of machines from approximately 279 to around 150, removing underused infrastructure, reducing maintenance and cash collection costs, and improving overall efficiency."
Rollout and Payment Process
Work will be phased, with temporary arrangements on affected streets until new machines and signage are in place. The requirement to enter a vehicle registration mark (VRM) applies only to payments at a machine. Customers using the JustPark app or phone line will continue with the existing process.
