The legal responsibility for off–street car parking was transferred to all District Councils on 1st April 2015 by the Off-Street Parking (Functions of District Councils) Act (NI) 2015.
Prior to the transfer of functions, the legal responsibility was exercised by the former Department for Regional Development (DRD) Roads Service. It exercised that function by enacting the Off-Street Parking (NI) Order 2000, and various amendments in its operating arrangements for car parks. This order currently remains in force.
Before this legislation can be replaced by an order specific to Mid Ulster, the Council is required to produce a draft Off-Street Parking Order which once in force supersedes the Off-Street Parking (NI) Order 2000 and will enable the Council to manage its 25 car parks in line with local needs and demands.
A summary of the primary changes within the new Order are:
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Permissible vehicle classes allowed to use the car park have been updated to include definitions around EV vehicles
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The methods of payment have been updated to include contactless
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The possible use of a vehicle registration mark for the purchase of tickets has been included
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The Council would have the ability to temporarily suspend the payment of parking places for trading and be able to issue licences for this
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Update to the Schedule of listed car parks within the Mid Ulster Council area
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Inclusion of the Parking charges tables reflecting current and possible future parking charges should the Council wish to exercise its right to amend tariffs.
The Order will update parking regulations in both free to use and charged Council operated car parks across the District.
A copy of the Order can be inspected at The Off-Street Parking (Public Car Parks) Order (MUDC) 2025 (Draft).
Persons wishing to make representations to the Council regarding this notice may do so by emailing offstreetparking@midulstercouncil.org or by writing to the address below by 5pm on Tuesday 21st October 2025. (Representations received after this date and time will not be considered).
Mid Ulster District Council
Magherafelt Office
50 Ballyronan Road
Magherafelt
BT45 6EN