Removal and clamping of illegally-parked vehicles

Removal and relocation

Vehicles that are found parked illegally in urban clearway routes and bus lanes during operational hours will be issued with a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). 

However, they can now also be:

• removed and relocated to a nearby side street and clamped

or 

• taken to a vehicle pound 

Charges will then have to be paid before vehicles are released.

If your vehicle has been removed and clamped

Relocated vehicles will have a notice placed on them explaining that it has been clamped. This will include details of how the driver can arrange for its release on payment of the required charge.

When a vehicle has been relocated, the PSNI will be alerted and given details of the vehicle and its new location.

Drivers who return to find their vehicle missing in these circumstances should contact the PSNI in the first instance by calling the non-emergency 101 phone number. 

The PSNI will confirm if it has been removed for a parking contravention, provide details of its relocation, and a contact phone number for further enquiries to get the clamp removed.

Charges to be paid

The following charges must be paid before a vehicle can be released:

• if relocated to a nearby street - £40
• if relocated to the vehicle pound - £105 (plus the normal £12 per day storage rate)

The Penalty Charge Notice must be dealt with separately. 

Payment and getting your vehicle released

To arrange payment and release of the vehicle, phone 03333 701 603 (local rates apply) between 7.00 am and 7.45 pm Monday to Friday.

Vehicles which stay clamped on-street on Fridays will be removed to the APCOA vehicle pound.

To release a vehicle from the vehicle pound, a release fee must be paid. Your vehicle may be claimed Monday to Saturday by appointment in advance only, between 11.00 am and 12.30 pm, and 2.30 pm and 3.30pm.

The Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) is also due but is subject to the existing concessions; £90 if paid within 28 days, £45 if paid within 14 days.

All payments must be made by credit or debit card, either by phone through the dedicated Payment Line or in person by prior appointment at the vehicle pound (arranged through the dedicated payment line). Cash, cheque, and postal order payments are not accepted.

Note: It is necessary to provide two forms of ID to get your vehicle released from the vehicle pound, as well as proof you own the vehicle.

You will need to bring:

• the V5C (vehicle registration certificate) and photographic ID (for example, a driving licence or passport)

and

• a recent utility bill showing your current address

If any vehicle with outstanding PCN debt is clamped or removed to the pound, all debt owed must be paid before the vehicle is released.

More useful links

• Bus lanes
• Enforcement of bus lanes and bus-only streets