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Any hopes that somehow Newry would get free on-street parking any time soon must be well dashed with news that the Department for Infrastructure is to upgrade pay-and-display (P&D) parking machines in the city by Autumn 2027 with the current machines having reached end-of-life. Works will also take place in Belfast and Lisburn.
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The programme is being carried out as part of a new parking enforcement contract with APCOA. Some machines will be upgraded, some removed entirely, and a small number relocated to better nearby positions. In some locations, multiple machines on the same street will be consolidated into a smaller number.
Overall, the total number of machines will fall from 279 to around 150, reducing maintenance and cash collection costs. New machines will use pay-by-plate technology, linking parking events with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology to improve enforcement efficiency. The requirement to enter a vehicle registration mark applies only to payments made at a machine, with customers using the JustPark app or phone line continuing to follow the existing process.
Drivers will retain the choice between coin and cashless payment. Where changes are made, clear signage will be provided to direct customers, and new machines will have improved visibility. When a machine is removed, supplementary signage will be installed, including information on cashless payment options, with new machines displaying "Please Pay Here" signage.
The work will affect machines in Controlled Parking Zones, Residents' Parking Zones and charged Park and Ride sites. It will be rolled out in phases, with appropriate arrangements in place on affected streets until machines and signage are installed. The indicative schedule shows Belfast phases completing by Autumn 2026 and Lisburn by mid-2027 with Newry being the last to be upgraded.
