Traffic wardens urged to ease up on tickets

Traffic wardens urged to ease up on tickets

11 June 2025

AN escalation in the number of parking tickets dished out to drivers and shoppers in Downpatrick has sparked an appeal for private enforcement firms to show greater flexibility.

The appeal has been issued by South Down MLA Colin McGrath in the wake of a growing number of complaints he has received.

Mr McGrath has labelled the current ticketing regime as “excessive and aggressive” and has warned it could have a negative impact on trade.

He said rarely a week goes by without someone contacting his constituency office to ask for help challenging a parking fine, many of which relate to a particular hot spot.

“The scale and frequency of these fines suggest this is not about fair regulation, but about revenue generation at the expense of local people and businesses,” he suggested.

Mr McGrath warned that such practices risk undermining footfall in Downpatrick’s town centre at a time when many traders are already under pressure.

“The town centre should be a welcoming place for shoppers, not one where people are afraid to leave their car for fear of being slapped with a ticket after just a few minutes,” he said.

“This kind of punitive approach is completely counterproductive and risks driving people away.”

Mr McGrath is calling on parking companies to adopt a more common-sense approach, particularly where minor overstays or unclear signage are concerned.

“I am urging these companies to show greater flexibility and to work in a way that supports our town centres rather than penalising them. There is a balance to be struck, but right now, it’s clear that balance has been lost,” he said.

Mr McGrath is encouraging anyone who feels they have been unfairly fined to contact his office for advice and support in challenging their ticket.