Parking enforcement in Northern Ireland to be managed by APCOA under new DfI contract

The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has announced that APCOA has been appointed to manage parking services across Northern Ireland, under a new contract that comes into effect on 1 November 2025.

Under the new agreement, Traffic Attendants will continue to wear the familiar red uniforms, ensuring they remain easily recognisable to the public.

The uniform design has received a modern refresh, with updated fabrics aimed at improving comfort and practicality.

Responsibilities under the new contract

APCOA will oversee a comprehensive range of parking and enforcement duties, including:

• On-street parking enforcement across Northern Ireland

• Park and Ride car park enforcement

• Residents’ parking zones enforcement

• Blue Badge misuse enforcement

• Vehicle clamping and removal for Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) debt recovery

• Bus lane and urban clearway enforcement

• Pay & Display machine maintenance and cash collection

Cashless parking system to move to ‘Buy Time’ model

From 1 November 2025, cashless parking in Residents’ Parking Zones, Park and Ride sites, and Controlled Parking Zones in Belfast, Newry and Lisburn will switch to a ‘Buy Time’ model instead of the current Start/Stop method.

According to the Department, this change will make parking “simpler and easier to plan” for drivers.

The JustPark app, which delivers the cashless parking service on behalf of the Department, will remain in use. The Department confirmed that telephone numbers and location codes for cashless payments will remain unchanged, meaning customers will not need to update their phone app. Importantly, parking charges will also remain the same.

Locations where cashless parking is available

Cashless parking is currently available in the Eastside, Northside and Great George’s Street Park and Ride car parks, as well as in Controlled Parking Zones in Belfast, Newry and Lisburn and Residents’ Parking Zones in Belfast.

The Department also reminded the public that the 11 local councils remain responsible for parking management in council-owned off-street car parks.

The appointment of APCOA continues the Department for Infrastructure’s efforts to streamline and modernise parking services across Northern Ireland, maintaining continuity for users while introducing updates aimed at improving convenience and efficiency.