A one-hour grace period after paid on-street parking sessions has been made permanent in controlled zones in Newry and Lisburn. The arrangement gives a motorist an additional hour beyond the time purchased before a penalty can be issued for expiry of that session.
The measure has operated as a pilot since late 2025 and was used by more than 1,000 drivers during the assessment period. It is intended to give shoppers and visitors flexibility when an appointment, collection or visit takes longer than expected, without removing the need to pay at the start.
The grace period applies only in the designated on-street zones covered by the scheme. It does not automatically extend private car-park tickets, free limited-waiting bays, disabled-badge rules or restrictions such as loading bays and clearways. Drivers must continue to read the sign at the space they use.
Making the pilot permanent means the extra hour now forms part of the normal enforcement approach in the two centres. A vehicle can still receive a notice after the grace period ends or for a different parking breach unrelated to the purchased time.
The Department for Infrastructure said the pilot had supported town-centre visits while retaining turnover of spaces. The practical message is straightforward: buy the required on-street time, keep the ticket or digital record, and treat the additional hour as a final allowance rather than the start of a second session.