Fermanagh and Omagh District Council installed new pay-and-display machines in Omagh off-street car parks to replace 20-year-old units. The machines require drivers to enter vehicle registration numbers, eliminating the option to pass unused tickets to others.

Local businessman Tony Laird stated the entire town is complaining about the system, describing it as confusing and causing fear among users. He noted a reduction in visitors to the town centre since the machines started operating.

Laird added that Omagh requires measures to promote visits, as stringent on-street parking rules and lack of free off-street parking affect trade.

Council chair Barry McElduff confirmed he received concerns from residents about the parking payment changes. He plans to raise the matter with the relevant council director and include it on the agenda for the next full council meeting in April.

The council stated the upgrade provides greater flexibility and convenience for motorists. Drivers no longer display paper tickets on dashboards, as attendants check payments via handheld devices, similar to the RingGo app system.