Newry and Armagh MLA Gareth Wilson has expressed concern at the number of parking penalties being issued across the constituency, warning that high levels of enforcement in key city centre locations could risk impacting local retail.
Figures released by the Department for Infrastructure show that over 27,600 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) were issued across Newry and Armagh between April 2023 and April 2026, including almost 21,000 in Newry and over 6,600 in Armagh.
The figures also highlight significant concentrations of ticketing in particular streets, including Hill Street in Newry (2,421 PCNs), Mall in Newry (2,313) and Market Street in Armagh (1,337).
Mr Wilson commented: “These figures show a very substantial level of parking enforcement across Newry and Armagh, with more than 27,000 penalty notices issued in just a three-year period. The fact that almost 21,000 of those were issued in Newry alone is particularly striking.
“It is also notable that a significant proportion of tickets are concentrated in a relatively small number of streets, particularly in the heart of our town centres. For example, Hill Street and Mall in Newry, and Market Street in Armagh, all feature very prominently in the figures.
“While I fully recognise that parking regulations are necessary and must be enforced, there is a risk that excessively high levels of ticketing in busy retail areas could act as a deterrent to shoppers and visitors.
“At a time when our high streets are facing ongoing challenges, we need to ensure that policies support, rather than hinder, local trade. On many occasions, fines can be issued erroneously, as I have seen first-hand by processing appeals through my constituency office.
“That said, it is also incumbent on all drivers to park responsibly, to respect time limits and restrictions, and to be mindful in particular of designated spaces such as disabled bays, which must be kept available for those who need them.
“What is needed is the right balance, enforcement that ensures safety, accessibility and turnover of parking spaces, while also recognising the importance of encouraging footfall into our city centres.
“I will be engaging with the Department for Infrastructure to ensure that enforcement is proportionate, clearly communicated, and aligned with the wider objective of supporting thriving and accessible city and town centres.”
