Belfast City Council has launched a public consultation on proposed changes to rules governing its off-street car parks. The consultation covers the draft Belfast Off-Street Parking (Public Car Parks) Order 2026 and is available on the council's Yoursay website.

The draft includes adding four existing car parks to the order and removing two car parks no longer managed by the council. It also introduces concessions for blue badge holders to park closer to destinations. Provisions allow suspending parking spaces for works or events.

Council officials stated the changes require an initial order to legally include the four car parks currently outside Northern Ireland regulations. A further amended order will incorporate other provisions after the Department for Infrastructure completes its process.

In April 2015, during local government reform, 30 public off-street car parks transferred from the Department for Infrastructure to Belfast City Council. The council then took over the Off-Street Parking Order (2000) NI, which requires updates through local orders.

Last month, the council agreed to examine free parking in its car parks on St Patrick's Day following an SDLP motion. Officers noted any such decision needs funding to offset lost income. The council also plans to request more bus services from Translink on the day. No announcement on free parking has been made yet.