Explanatory Memorandum

Traffic Management (Northern Ireland) Order 2005

2005 No. 1964

10.Commentary on Provisions

Articles 21-22: Removal of vehicles by the Department

The Department has the power to remove a vehicle and its contents either where a PCN is payable, or where there is an amount of outstanding debt from unpaid charges.  In the former circumstances, the Department intends using this power to remove vehicles for reasons of road safety or traffic management.  In the latter, prescribed conditions, which are likely to be the same as those proposed under Article 18, will have to be satisfied.  Where a PCN is issued because of a failure to pay a parking charge, or to display the relevant parking ticket or device; or because the vehicle has overstayed the parking period paid for, the Department cannot remove the vehicle until 15 minutes after the issue of the PCN.