Almost two thirds of drivers are against plans to cut the number of pay and display parking meters in Northern Ireland, in a move towards ticketless payments.
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) is set to remove almost half of its on-street pay and display machines in Belfast, Newry and Lisburn over the next year, as it seeks to modernise its aging parking kiosks.
The changes reflect a continued shift towards cashless parking, with just over half of all transactions, representing about 70% of parking income, now generated through digital payments such as smartphone apps.*
However, research by CompareNI.com suggests many drivers remain unconvinced by the move towards ticketless parking.
A new survey of 700 motorists across Northern Ireland found that 62% oppose the planned changes. When asked what their preferred way to pay for parking was, 68% said pay and display, while just 30% said they would rather use mobile apps or other ticketless systems.
Worryingly, two thirds (67%) admitted they do not feel confident using cashless parking apps, while just under half (45%) said they have experienced problems when using a mobile app to pay for parking.
The research also highlighted major concerns about impact on vulnerable motorists, with more than four in five drivers (82%) fearing that cutting the number of pay and display machines would make parking more difficult for older drivers.
The DfI said its current fleet of 279 machines are at “end of life” and will be reduced to around 150, with underused machines being removed while others will be relocated to areas with higher demand.
Some meters will also be upgraded to use a pay-by-plate system, ditching physical tickets in favour of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology. This means drivers must use a mobile app to pay for parking, or enter their vehicle registration at the machine when paying with cash or card.
Ian Wilson, car insurance expert and Managing Director at CompareNI.com said: “While digital and cashless payments are becoming more common, our research shows that most motorists are not ready to abandon traditional payment methods just yet, with two out of three drivers preferring to use pay and display over ticketless payment options.
“It is positive that upgraded parking machines will continue to accept coins, giving drivers the choice between cash or digital payments. However, cutting the number of pay and display meters in half raises understandable concerns about the impact on some drivers, particularly pensioners, who may not feel confident using technology such as mobile apps or ANPR.
“Modernising our parking network is a sensible move, provided it doesn’t alienate older drivers and come at the expense of accessibility.”
The Department has acknowledged that reducing and relocating parking machines could have implications for accessibility. However, it added that placement of the remaining machines will be based on footfall and street layout, with “clear signage” directing drivers to their nearest location and upgraded meters having “improved visibility”.
The rollout will happen in phases, with work in Belfast expected to be complete by autumn this year, followed by Lisburn in mid-2027 and Newry in autumn next year.
CompareNI.com supports drivers and helps them find savings on car insurance, including niche items such as taxi, van and 4×4 insurance. -ENDS-
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