The scheme aims to give residents in busy areas the chance to park closer to their homes
A new “demand-led” residents’ parking scheme has opened for applications across Northern Ireland. The parking zones aim to give people in residential areas the chance to park closer to their homes or businesses.
The scheme follows on from a pilot run in the busy residential streets close to Queen’s University in Belfast since 2018. There are certain criteria areas must meet to be eligible for the scheme, which is open for applications until July 31.
Residents are entitled to one permit per household, which allows them to park in spaces available within the zone. A pay and display option is typically available for those parking in the area without a residents permit.
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What are residents’ parking schemes?
A residents’ parking zone is an area where only vehicles with a valid permit or parking ticket are allowed to park during certain times of the day.
Residents and businesses can apply for a permit to allow them to park within that particular area. Only those with a valid permit are allowed to park within the zone during its hours of operation.
Which areas are included in the parking schemes?
To be considered for a residents’ parking zone, an area must:
- have persistent commuter or nuisance parking
- be all public (not private) roads
- have less than 50 per cent of properties with access to off-street parking (driveways etc)
- include evidence of local support for a scheme
How to apply for a resident’s parking scheme
You can apply to request a parking scheme in your street or area. When applying, you will need to outline the parking problem in your area and provide evidence to show local support for the proposed zone.
Applications to the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) for residents’ parking zones can only be made during the designated application window, which is open from April 28, 2026 and closes on July 31, 2026.
You can find out more and apply for a parking scheme by clicking here.
Will a residents’ parking scheme guarantee a space outside my home?
No, residents’ parking schemes do not guarantee residents a specific space outside their homes or businesses. The aim of a residents’ parking zone is to improve the overall availability of parking within an area so residents can park close to their houses. A permit does not guarantee availability of parking spaces.
How does the scheme work for HMO properties?
If you’re a tenant in the residents’ parking zone area, you will need to provide your tenancy agreement and your V5C(NI) document for your vehicle.
A household which has been split into a House in Multiple Occupancy (HMO) but that only has one Unique Property Identification Number and therefore one rates bill, will only be eligible for one resident permit for the household.
How much does a resident’s parking permit cost?
If you live in the residents’ parking zone area, you can apply for a resident permit, which costs £30 per year.
Permits are issued free of charge to Blue Badge holders who are residents within a parking zone, and residents of zones either wholly or partly within a Neighbourhood Renewal Area.
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