An MLA has called for the length of time given to parking offenders to be extended to help during the cost-of-living crisis.
Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan said while he's willing to "take his oil" at receiving a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) in Derry City Centre, others who were "desperately struggling" would not find it as easy to pay it back.
Those issued with PCNs in Northern Ireland are given a £90 fine, with the option of paying half of the price (£45) if they pay it within 14 days.
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The SDLP elected representative said that people across the country were "being penalised for being poor" and called on the Department for Infrastructure to extend the discount period.
Writing on his MLA Facebook page, he said: "Earlier today, a work engagement I was partaking in lasted longer than I had expected. I was parked in Patrick Street (not parked dangerously or causing an obstruction but overstayed my time). I knew I was cutting it fine: you're only meant to park for an hour and I was away for almost an hour and a half.
"I got that sinking feeling as I ran back to the car and saw, from a distance away, that I'd received a Penalty Charge Notice. That's fair enough - I took a risk assuming I'd be back within the hour. I didn't make it, so take my oil.
"What is far from fair, however, is that if I pay my fine within two weeks I only pay 'half price', £45. If we were desperately struggling to put food on our table, like so many families are, and payday is over two weeks away, I couldn't pay within the fortnight.
"The penalty then doubles to £90. People are being penalised for being poor.
"I have been trying to have this policy changed and to have the discount period extended, giving people more opportunity to avail of it, and was very disappointed that Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd, came back with [his] reply just yesterday."
He continued: "How is a £45 fine not a sufficient deterrent to people parking illegally??? I'd say the only people who do not avail of the discount period are those who can't afford to and it ends up costing them double.
"We have heard for months that caretaker Ministers' hands are tied. Nothing can be done here to help people without an Executive.
"Of course, we do need an Executive to design and deliver schemes to support people here through this extremely difficult time, and it's the DUP's fault we don't, but here is a clear example of a small step that a minister could take to help people without the need for Executive approval. Sadly, he has chosen not to take it."
In response to Mr Durkan's proposal, Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd replied: "The Traffic Management Order (Northern Ireland) 2005 allows a Penalty Charge Notice to be reduced if payment is received within 14 days. As PCNs are intended to discourage illegal parking, my Department has no plans to change the discount period.
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