The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) is to reduce the number of on-street pay and display parking machines it operates in Belfast, Newry and Lisburn from 279 to around 150. The move is part of a modernisation programme tied to a new parking enforcement contract with APCOA.

Department data shows that digital payments now account for half of all transactions, generating about 70% of parking income. The ageing machines are reaching end of life, and the department says the rationalisation will cut maintenance and cash collection costs while locating equipment where it is most needed.

New machines will use a pay-by-plate system. Drivers who do not use a mobile app or telephone payment service will be required to enter their vehicle registration number at the machine, removing the need for a physical paper ticket. Coin and cashless payment options will both be available. Automatic number plate recognition technology will support enforcement by linking registration details to parking transactions.

On some streets where multiple machines currently stand, a smaller number of units will be installed. Others will be relocated to positions chosen for usage levels, accessibility, footfall and street layout.

The work will be carried out in phases across Belfast, Lisburn and Newry, affecting controlled parking zones, residents’ parking zones and charged park and ride sites. Belfast is expected to be completed by autumn 2026, with Lisburn following by mid-2027 and Newry by autumn 2027. Clear signage will guide motorists where machines are moved or removed.

Members of the public in Lisburn offered varied views. One woman, who travels from Dromore for shopping, said she prefers coins because she worries her phone battery could die and that pensioners might find cashless systems harder. An older woman who uses parking apps described them as convenient but acknowledged that some people without smartphones could face difficulties. A man from Carryduff recalled previous attempts with apps as frustrating due to signal problems and unreliability, and said he sticks to cash. Another man said anything that makes payment harder is not a good idea and that street parking should be more accessible.