A significant number of parking fines issued in Newry and Armagh have been successfully appealed over the past three years – a situation described as highlighting “fundamental flaws” in how parking is being enforced locally.
Figures obtained by MLA Gareth Wilson from the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) show that hundreds of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) handed to motorists across the constituency have been overturned on appeal since 2021.
It follows earlier data, also released by DfI, revealing that more than 27,600 PCNs were issued in Newry and Armagh between April 2023 and April 2026 – almost 21,000 of them in Newry and over 6,600 in Armagh.
There were particularly heavy concentrations of tickets in a small number of key streets, including Hill Street in Newry (2,421 PCNs), the Mall in Newry (2,313) and Market Street in Armagh (1,337).
Mr Wilson said the high rate of successful appeals pointed to serious issues with how rules are being applied on the ground.
“When such a high volume of tickets is being overturned, it raises serious questions about the consistency, fairness and accuracy of parking enforcement practices on the ground,” said the DUP representative.
“It suggests that too many notices are being issued incorrectly or in circumstances where they simply do not stand up to scrutiny.
“Motorists should have confidence that enforcement is applied fairly and proportionately, not in a way that leaves them having to fight unjust penalties.
“This situation is creating unnecessary stress and inconvenience for drivers, many of whom are forced to take time out to contest tickets that should never have been issued in the first place. It also raises concerns about the efficient use of public resources in processing both the issuing of flawed PCNs and the subsequent appeals.”
Mr Wilson warned that, alongside questions over fairness, there could also be an economic impact for already under-pressure high streets.
“While I fully recognise that parking regulations are necessary and must be enforced, there is a risk that excessively high levels of ticketing in busy retail areas could act as a deterrent to shoppers and visitors,” he said.
“At a time when our high streets are facing ongoing challenges, we need to ensure that policies support, rather than hinder, local trade. On many occasions, fines can be issued erroneously, as I have seen firsthand by processing appeals through my constituency office.”
He added that “the right balance” was needed between enforcement and supporting town and city centres.
“What is needed is the right balance – enforcement that ensures safety, accessibility and turnover of parking spaces, while also recognising the importance of encouraging footfall into our city centres,” he continued.
“It is also incumbent on all drivers to park responsibly, to respect time limits and restrictions, and to be mindful in particular of designated spaces such as disabled bays, which must be kept available for those who need them.
“I will continue to raise these issues with the Department to ensure there is a sensible and efficient approach to city centre parking that protects businesses and consumers, and that enforcement is proportionate, clearly communicated, and aligned with the wider objective of supporting thriving and accessible city and town centres.”
