The area in Northern Ireland where the most parking fines were issued in 2023 has been revealed as Fermanagh and Omagh. 

6,695 parking tickets were issued in Fermanagh and Omagh with a total cost in excess of £301,275 in 2023 according to data from CompareNI.com. 

The data showed that, out of the ten council areas reviewed, Fermanagh and Omagh was the most fined area for parking tickets.

FODC estimate the total figure is between £301,275 - £903,825, ranging from the minimum to the maximum fine enforced, depending on when the driver pays the fine and not including tickets that were successfully appealed.

Derry City and Strabane had the second highest number of parking tickets issued with 6,478 tickets issued, with a total cost of £153,229.

Ards and North Down had the third highest number of parking tickets at 6,035.

Belfast had the fourth highest with 5,748 fines issued, followed by Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon with 3,676, Mid and East Antrim 3,007 and Mid Ulster 2,910.

Other areas had much lower amounts of parking tickets. Antrim and Newtownabbey saw the lowest amount of fines issued with 488 and a total cost of £17,752.

Lisburn and Castlereagh and Newry, Mourne and Down also had low amount of parking fines issued with 2,087 and 2,295 respectively.

Ian Wilson, Managing Director of CompareNI.com said: “With the rising cost of car insurance, fuel and repairs, paying out money for parking fines is added pressure for NI drivers at an already difficult financial time.

“To help avoid tickets, it’s important drivers always check their surroundings thoroughly for signs and signals on parking requirements, as the majority of drivers we surveyed got their ticket due to uncertainty around rules and payments.  If in any doubt, drivers can look up parking restrictions in that area online to double-check.

“If you think you have been unfairly fined you can always appeal the ticket. It’s important to act quickly and have sufficient evidence if you’re appealing. Drivers may be put off by the hassle of challenging a ticket, but it can be done quickly online through the NI direct website. Our survey also showed 56% of respondents who challenged a ticket won the appeal.”