Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has moved forward with plans to install automated parking systems at its four forest and country parks.

The affected sites are Castlewellan, Kilbroney in Rostrevor, Delamont outside Killyleagh, and Slieve Gullion in County Armagh.

The council said the new system will use automatic number plate recognition technology. Existing permit arrangements and daily parking charges will continue.

Registered households in the council area will still be able to choose one park for free entry. Current daily charges are £5 for a car and £50 for a bus.

The council previously approved daily visitor charges in 2024 following an online petition and objections from some councillors.

The strategy, policy and resources committee approved automated parking in June 2025. Following procurement, an updated budget was approved in August 2026 and is expected to be ratified by the full council in September.

The council added that hourly parking was never considered. The system is intended to reduce entry wait times and provide quicker access, with visitor guidance to be issued before it becomes operational.